Hamilton calls on Verstappen to boycott ‘joke’ FIA penalty

Lewis Hamilton has labelled Max Verstappen’s penalty for swearing in an FIA press conference as “a joke”.

During the Thursday press conference in Singapore, Verstappen was asked about the behaviour of his Red Bull challenger in Azerbaijan and stated he “knew the car was fucked” at the very beginning of qualifying.

The FIA took issue with the incident and subsequently punished the three-time world champion for breaching the International Sporting Code.

It outlined that Verstappen must effectively serve community service as the punishment detailed he holds an “obligation to accomplish some work of public interest”.

During the FIA press conference on Saturday after qualifying, Verstappen refused to answer questions and insisted he would instead talk to the media outside of the room.

Lando Norris and Hamilton, who ended qualifying in first and third respectively, were asked about Verstappen’s punishment after the session.

“I think it’s pretty unfair, I don’t agree with any of it,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

Hamilton also hit out at the punishment and called on Verstappen to boycott the penalty.

“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest,” stated the seven-time world champion. 

“This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”