How F1 drivers reacted to Max Verstappen being given 'community service' penalty as WhatsApp messages revealed
Verstappen was handed the unusual penalty by the FIA during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend on Friday.
Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alexander Wurz has revealed how the F1 grid reacted to Max Verstappen being punished for swearing in a press conference.
Verstappen issued a swear word while discussing the FIA's new limitations on drivers swearing over team radio during races.
The official punishment handed to the Red Bull driver was an 'obligation to accomplish some work of public interest'.
When asked for comment by a reporter ahead of Singapore Grand Prix qualifying, Verstappen replied: "No words."
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The Dutchman has, in fact, received a similar punishment in the past following a physical altercation with Esteban Ocon after the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen was ordered to fulfil his 'community service' by sitting in the stewards' room for one race in Formula E - a series which is also organised by the FIA.
This time around, Wurz has revealed how Verstappen's fellow drivers reacted to the FIA's punishment.
The Austrian, who last raced in F1 for Williams in the 2007 season, said that the drivers quickly posted in the GPDA WhatsApp group after the verdict was announced.
He explained: "Nobody in the WhatsApp group thinks this is cool. Of course, all drivers are very angry about this."
As part of the new regulation, the FIA have lodged a request with Formula One Management (FOM) - which provides television rights to broadcasters - to limit the broadcast of content that may contain bad language.
Speaking to Autosport, FIA President Muhamed Ben Sulayem explained the thinking behind the F1 governing body's newly-introduced ban on swearing: "We have to differentiate between our sport - motorsport - and rap music.
"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].
"I know, I was a driver - in the heat of the moment, when you think you are upset because another driver came to you and pushed you [you would react].
"When I used to drive, I would get upset. But also, we have to be careful with our conduct. We need to responsible people.
"Because imagine you are sitting with your children and watching the race and then someone is saying all of this dirty language. What would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport?"
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Ryan Smart