Verstappen handed unusual punishment by Singapore stewards in bad language rap

Max Verstappen has been ordered to “accomplish some work of public interest” by the Singapore Grand Prix stewards after swearing during an official FIA press conference.

Verstappen used the f-word in referring to his Red Bull in qualifying in last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after changes were made to the car following final practice.

The three-time F1 champion’s use of the word emerged hours after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had called on the drivers to temper their language over the radio during grands prix.

Verstappen was reminded by host Tom Clarkson to mind his language before then being asked a question on swearing, during which he said: “Excuse me for the language but come on. What are we? Five-year-olds? Six-year-olds?”

Following a hearing into an alleged breach of Article 12.2.1.k of the International Sporting Code – language used during the FIA press conference – the stewards determined Verstappen had not lived up to being a role model.

A stewards’ report read: “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 apologised 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.”