F1
Why was Max Verstappen punished for “misconduct” by the FIA?
The Red Bull driver landed himself in hot water at the Singapore Grand Prix and has been made an example of by international motorsport’s governing body.
Max Verstappen has been ordered to “accomplish some work of public interest” - Formula One’s equivalent of community service, after using language generally considered “coarse, rude” or that may cause offense” during his press conference ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver described his Red Bull car from the previous race in Azerbaijan as “f****ed” during the FIA media call which was being televised and broadcast live. That didn’t go down well at all at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) with president Mohammed ben Sulayem only recently warning that international motorsport’s governing body is looking to clamp down on drivers using swear words during their interactions with the media.
FIA clampdown on bad language
Ben Sulayem told Motorsport.com: “We have to differentiate between our sport, motorsport, and rap music. We’re not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them and not us. Imagine you are sitting with your children and watching the race and then someone is saying all of this dirty language. I mean, what would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport”.
The triple world champion was immediately summoned to explain himself after breaching the International Sporting Code. It’s not the first time that Verstappen has violated the code which might explain why the FIA have come after him this time. He has been caught using similar language numerous times on camera and in radio messages during races.
FIA statement on Verstappen’s bad language
In a statement, stewards explained: “It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport. This is ‘Misconduct’ as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k”.
While authorities conceded that Verstappen’s words were not directed at anyone or any group, and that English is not his native language, the Red Bull driver should be ‘obliged to accomplish some work of public interest’ (Art. 12.4.1.d of the International Sporting Code), in coordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA.”
The exact nature of the punishment is to be decided, but it may involve some social involvement at grassroots level.
Verstappen struggled in practice at the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit, finishing 15th in FP2 on Friday.
The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place over 62 laps is scheduled for Sunday, September 22 at 14:00 hours local time (8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT) and will be broadcast in the United States by ESPN and ESPN Deportes or can be streamed live on ESPN+, DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu, Sling Orange and F1 TV.