F1 driver slams 'unacceptable' Max Verstappen behaviour as FIA steward reveals details of 'private meeting'

An FIA steward has revealed that at least one Formula 1 driver slammed Red Bull Racing superstar Max Verstappen during a private meeting.

Ahead of last month’s Singapore Grand Prix, reigning F1 world champion Verstappen was ordered to carry out some work of public interest after swearing during a press conference.

Since then, there has been a lot of talk about the new swearing clamp down within the sport, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris siding with Verstappen.

Ahead of F1’s return this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, FIA steward Johnny Herbert has spoken about the swearing controversy and revealed details about a meeting with the drivers.

The former F1 driver also disclosed how some drivers reacted to Verstappen’s behaviour.

He said to CasinoHawks: “I hope that if Max swears in a press conference at the US Grand Prix, common sense prevails. There has to be an understanding that both sides need to work together.

“I know the FIA president is unhappy with foul language. There is an understanding among drivers that swearing at a press conference is not right. It is just something that built up from the president’s initial ‘rappers’ comment, which some found offensive to then Max being dragged before the stewards in Singapore.”

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Herbert added: “We had a meeting with the drivers afterwards when at least one, who I won’t name, made clear that in his opinion, swearing was not acceptable.

“There are many youngsters around the world who love the sport and worship the drivers. Drivers have to understand that they are role models. We made the decision that there was a case to answer if you like. It is between Max and the FIA to agree what the sanction should be and what it would be. That part is out of our control.”

Speaking about Verstappen, Herbert continued: “We had a good open chat with Max for about 20 minutes, half an hour, in what was a difficult situation. You could see in his face he was really worked up about it.

“But when he left, he appeared to be mollified about the process and why it’s there. He did not blame us as stewards. As stewards, we have a range of tools to punish drivers. We are there to implement the rules and make a decision together.”