Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen
Marcus Chan
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, have reportedly made a decision on Max Verstappen’s press conference antics.
Heading into the weekend, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested the need to clamp down on swearing within the sport.
He said: “We're not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That's them and we are [us].
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“We have to be careful with our conduct. We need to be responsible people. And now with the technology, everything is going live and everything is going to be recorded. At the end of the day, we have to study that to see: do we minimise what is being said publicly?”
Ben Sulayem added: “Because imagine you are sitting with your children and watching the race and then someone is saying all of this dirty language. I mean, what would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport?”
On Friday, it was revealed that reigning F1 world champion Verstappen was summoned to the stewards after he said: “The car was f**ked,” during the press conference.
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As a result, the Dutchman has been given an 'obligation to accomplish some work of public interest’.
After the qualifying session on Saturday, Verstappen only gave short answers during what was described as one of the most awkward press conferences of all time.
On the back of that, Verstappen held his own press conference outside of the official room, giving members of the media full answers to any questions they asked.
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After Sky Sports pundit and former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg questioned whether the FIA will punish Verstappen, a decision has reportedly been made.
As reported by The Mirror, an FIA spokesperson said: “No, he took part in the FIA Press Conference as required by the procedures.”
Speaking about the situation, Verstappen said: “It's just ridiculous, to get a penalty for that. When you insult someone, it's pretty clear, but I didn't aim it at anyone. It's not the right way to go forward in our sport.”
Hamilton agreed: “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.”