Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen simply cannot believe his punishment for swearing. The Red Bull driver from the Netherlands only gave brief answers to questions at the official press conference after qualifying in Singapore on Saturday, apparently in protest. Before and after the event organized by the world motorsport association Fia, however, Verstappen spoke at length in the paddock.
“It’s just ridiculous to get a penalty for that,” complained the world championship leader, who finished second in the hunt for a starting position behind McLaren driver Lando Norris. “If you insult someone, then that’s pretty clear. But I didn’t even refer it to one person.”
Verstappen’s punishment: He is to do community service
Verstappen was asked about his car at the official FIA press conference on Thursday, with which he had only managed to finish fifth in Baku after many problems. “As soon as I went into qualifying, I knew the car was fucked,” replied the 26-year-old. Verstappen was then summoned by the race stewards and punished by doing community service.
Hamilton’s advice to Verstappen: Don’t do it
Verstappen made it clear that he had no problem with the stewards because they were only following the rules. However, they wanted to “set a precedent and people received warnings or a small fine. Now they wanted to make an even bigger example of me,” he speculated in reference to the world governing body, which wants to reduce the amount of swear words in the TV broadcasts.
Verstappen also received encouragement from record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who even advised him against doing the community service. “It’s a bit of a joke, to be honest,” said the Mercedes driver, who came third in qualifying, about the penalty imposed. “This is the pinnacle of sport, mistakes are made.” In any case, he would not serve the penalty. “I hope Max doesn’t either,” said Hamilton.
