Max Verstappen gives short answers in official press conference as a mark of protest, as he explains further outside the room.
While on track, there is trouble for Red Bull and Verstappen, off it, there is one for the Dutchman too. The world champion was handed a community service of one day for using the word ‘f***ed’ during the Thursday press conference in Singapore GP.
It was not directed to anyone but to his current situation at Red Bull and his car, as they search for performance. But Verstappen was pulled up for the same and handed a penalty. This not just irked the Dutchman, but rest of the F1 drivers as well.
While it looked like that all is done and dusted. But it wasn’t to be. Post Singapore GP qualifying, Verstappen came up with his own kind of protest. During the post-qualifying press conference, the Dutchman chose to speak less in the fear of a penalty.
It was his way of showing displeasure against the FIA ruling. He added that he is free to speak outside the press conference as much media wants him to answer. And he did the same. Post the end of the press conference, he answered several questions.
At first, he started to speak just outside the room, but the FIA delegate noted about the TV pen that he has to get to. Then the written press started to walk along with Verstappen towards the TV pen, while questioning the Dutchman about his protest.
In moments, a section of press swarmed Verstappen in the paddock where he expanded on his protest and also the performance push in qualifying. It was also seen on Sky Sports F1, that FIA head steward for Singapore GP, Tim Mayer, speaking with Jonathan Wheatley.
They were seated right outside the Red Bull motorhome. From various media present in Singapore, it was highlighted that the FIA is unlikely to take any action against Verstappen – who gave a clean chit to the stewards – for his latest conduct in the press conference.
Press conference –
Max, let’s come to you. It hasn’t been the smoothest of weekends for you or Red Bull Racing so far. So how sweet does this front row feel?
Verstappen: “Yeah, I’m very happy with second today after yesterday. And I want to say also a big thank you to the team for continuing to push throughout the weekend, you know, to make the car better for me. So, yeah, very happy to be on the front row.”
What did you change overnight? Because it seems there’s been a big difference in performance lately.
Verstappen: “A lot.”
Can you elaborate in terms of what you did?
Verstappen: “No, I might get fined or get an extra day, so…“
Well, are you confident, Max, with the race pace?
Verstappen: “Maybe.”
I mean, how much of a step into the unknown is the race given the problems you had yesterday in practice?
Verstappen: “It’s an unknown. Yeah.”
Tell us about lining up…
Verstappen: “This is not towards you, don’t worry. I don’t want to upset you.”
We’re fine. But can you just tell us about lining up alongside Lando then tomorrow in terms of the championship battle and your tactics in the race?
Verstappen: “I will find out tomorrow.”
Max, I know you won’t elaborate on what the changes were, but how much of those changes were learning, I guess, from what happened in Bakke, where you guys went in the wrong direction? And how much, what’s the balance between, particularly at a street track like this, the driver getting the most out of the car in those sections or those breakthroughs with the car?
Verstappen: “I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room.”
Max, what happens if the behaviour in this press conference triggers another penalty? So is it more community service then? I mean, you’ve got a busy schedule.
Verstappen: “No comment.”
Max, how long do you anticipate that you won’t be giving answers in the FIA press conference for?
Verstappen: “I’m answering. Just not a lot. Problem with my voice.”
Outside press conference –
A protest –
Verstappen: “Well, I find it ridiculous what happened, so why should I then give full answers? Very easily you [could] get a fine or some sort of penalty, so I prefer not to speak a lot, say my voice and of course we can do the interviews somewhere else. If you need answers when questioned asked.”
Conversations, why FIA took action –
Verstappen: “Because they want to set a precedent. People [in the past] got warnings or a little fine. Now with me, they wanted to set an even bigger example, I guess, which for me is a bit weird, of course. I didn’t swear at anyone particularly, I just said one thing about my car, and they, I mean, yeah…it’s in the code. They have to follow the book. It’s not on the stewards. I don’t want to blame this on the stewards because I actually had a really good chat with them. They just have to follow the code in the book. I think they’re quite understanding, but it’s difficult for them as well.”
21st century, drivers and freedom of expression –
Verstappen: “Not everywhere nowadays. But honestly, I think what I said wasn’t that bad. Of course, I get if you aim it at someone. I think that’s bad. Of course, emotions can run high. That’s still not okay. I understand that but I felt, like I said, it was ridiculous what was given to me.”
Drivers support –
Verstappen: “Of course some speak out more than others, but I think, in general it is quite clear what everyone thinks.”
Turnaround –
Verstappen: “It has been difficult but as a team we stayed calm, we made good progress or steps. The car was a lot more drivable. I mean, I don’t see it perfect but it has been a long time that I have felt with the car and especially on a track that is very weak for us normally. I think P2 is very good and gives me a lot of hope also for coming races.”
Lessons from last year, or up trend from Baku –
Verstappen: “I think both of them combined.”
Stewards to get again now for this –
Verstappen: “I answered [the questions]. You have to answer. I didn’t do anything weird.”
What say others –
Lando Norris: “He deserved it. Foul language, so… I think it’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”
Lewis Hamilton: “Yeah, I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly won’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”
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