Max Verstappen’s FIA Protest Persists Amid Swearing Controversy: F1 Star Limits Press Interaction in Singapore

Max Verstappen extends his protest against the FIA during a press conference, following a dispute over his penalty for using offensive language.

Max Verstappen maintained his protest against the penalty he received for using inappropriate language by providing brief responses during the FIA press conference following the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.

During the FIA's post-qualifying press conference in Singapore on Saturday, the Red Bull driver declined to respond to most of the questions, stating a preference for addressing the media outside the conference room.

Max Verstappen's reaction came after the FIA mandated him to "perform some public service" due to his use of a curse word while discussing the recent performance of his Red Bull car at Thursday's press conference in Singapore.

Following a second-place finish behind title contender Lando Norris, which reduced his championship lead to 52 points in Sunday’s grand prix, Verstappen was once again cautious with his words when responding to questions from press conference host Tom Clarkson, and kept his answers brief with the media present.

When questioned about his preference for speaking to the media outside the official FIA press conference room, Verstappen, nodding, said, "It's been a long day."

Max Verstappen got backing from his previous championship contender, Lewis Hamilton, who called the Dutch driver's penalty a "joke".

The seven-time world champion stated, "This is the highest level of the sport, and errors happen. I definitely wouldn't be doing the community service, and I hope Max doesn't either."

When questioned about the issue, Norris expressed his disapproval by stating, "I think it's quite unjust; I don't support any aspect of it."

After the qualifying session, Verstappen described his penalty as “ridiculous” during an interview with Sky Sports F1.

"It's absurd to be penalized for that. When you insult someone, it's obvious. I didn't even direct it at anyone," he stated.

"It was a bit of a moment where someone misspoke. This isn't directed at the stewards; they simply have to follow the rule book."

"I had an excellent conversation with them regarding the matter. They are quite empathetic, but regulations exist and they must enforce them."

“In my opinion, this isn’t the correct path for our sport to take.”

Red Bull has organized an individual media session with Verstappen for journalists covering the race in Singapore, similar to what they did on Saturday.

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