Max Verstappen’s behavior during the post-qualifying press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix stirred controversy, as the championship leader protested the FIA’s decision to penalize him for swearing. The FIA has now confirmed that no further action will be taken against Verstappen for his conduct during the press conference.
The drama began when Verstappen refused to answer most questions in response to a penalty he received for using strong language in a previous FIA press event. During the Thursday press conference ahead of the Singapore GP, Verstappen described his car as “f**ked” while discussing the issues he faced at the previous race in Baku. The FIA, which has been cracking down on inappropriate language, handed Verstappen a penalty of “work of public interest.”
At the Saturday press conference, after qualifying second on the grid, Verstappen made his stance clear. When asked about changes to his Red Bull car, he responded tersely, saying, “A lot.” When pressed for more details, he declined to elaborate, stating, “No, I might get fined or get an extra thing.” Throughout the session, Verstappen either avoided answering or dismissed questions with brief, non-committal responses, further emphasizing his protest. Speaking to the media outside the official FIA press conference, Verstappen explained his reasoning”I find it, of course, ridiculous what happens. So why should I then give full answers?” He continued, “I prefer not to speak a lot, save my voice. We can do the interviews somewhere else if needed.”
Verstappen acknowledged the FIA’s intent to set a precedent regarding swearing but felt the punishment was excessive. He emphasized that he didn’t direct the language at anyone, remarking, “I just said one thing about my car. But it’s in the code, so they have to follow the book.”
The FIA, in response, confirmed that Verstappen had fulfilled his obligations during the Saturday press conference and would not face any additional penalties. A spokesperson from the FIA stated, “There will be no punishment for Verstappen’s behavior in the press conference as he has fulfilled his commitments.”
Verstappen’s fellow drivers, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, also weighed in on the situation. Norris joked that Verstappen “deserved it,” but admitted, “I think it’s pretty unfair, I don’t agree with any of it.” Hamilton echoed the sentiment, calling the penalty “a bit of a joke” and advising Verstappen not to go through with the community service punishment: “I certainly wouldn’t be doing it.”
The FIA’s decision puts the matter to rest, with Verstappen allowed to continue without any further consequences from the Singapore GP press conference incident.
