FIA announce details of Verstappen’s community service

Max Verstappen will serve his community service in Rwanda ahead of the FIA prize-giving ceremony next week, F1’s governing body has announced.

The world champion was handed the sanction after swearing during the official pre-race press conference in Singapore, just after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had pushed for a clampdown of drivers’ swearing.

Verstappen, after qualifying second, then refused to engage in the post-qualifying press conference, instead holding an impromptu media briefing in the Marina Bay paddock. 

He did not initially know the details of his punishment, but the FIA has now confirmed it will be served ahead of the prize-giving ceremony in Rwanda.

“The FIA has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s “work of public interest” duty linked to the Stewards’ penalty for the use of unacceptable language during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix drivers’ press conference,” read a statement. 

“Verstappen will travel to the FIA Awards Ceremony which takes place as part of the General Assemblies next week in Kigali, Rwanda to collect his fourth consecutive FIA Formula One World Championship trophy.

“While in Kigali he will undertake some work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).

“The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car which was built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from blueprints provided by the FIA.

“Design blueprints for the Level 2 category Affordable Cross Car project have been delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs).”