Max Verstappen will have to undertake a work in public interest after he was found to have used foul language in F1 Singapore GP press conference.
Amid the debate kick-started by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem about the language drivers use on the radio – especially pertaining to the swears – the stewards has caught Red Bull’s Verstappen for use of words during the F1 Singapore GP press conference, which has been taken as a misconduct.
It relates to the answer from Verstappen, who said, ‘I don’t know, man. Different set-up. So as soon as I went into qualifying, I knew the car was f***ed’, when asked about the differences between his and Sergio Perez’s car and overall running in F1 Azerbaijan GP weekend.
The stewards reckon it is a breach of Article 12.2.1.k of the International Sporting Code, and so, Verstappen has to undertake a work in public interest for course correction. The Dutchman noted that it is a language that he uses often and that English is not is native language as well.
The stewards acknowledged his defence and also apology for the words said and issued the public interest work as opposed to a fine. But when asked about the penalty to Verstappen, the Dutchman simply had ‘no words’ on the action against him. “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 1 (Max Verstappen), team representative and reviewed the audio transcript,” said the stewards’ statement.
“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 clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in Formula One, in particular in Las Vegas in 2023.
“The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the FIA Thursday Driver Press Conference in Singapore and Max Verstappen, driver of car 1, used language to describe his car at the Event in Azerbaijan which is generally considered “coarse, rude” or may “cause offense” and is not considered suitable for broadcast.
“This is “Misconduct” as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language. While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure.
“Verstappen apologized for his behaviour. The Stewards note that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. But, as this topic has been raised before and is well known by the competitors, the Stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously and that Verstappen 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.”
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