Featured Image Credit: FIA/Getty
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Chan
Max Verstappen has become the first victim of the FIA’s clamp down on swearing.
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke about the foul language being used within the sport of Formula 1.
He said: “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.
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“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].”
Ben Sulayem added: “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?
“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?”
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On Thursday, during the drivers’ press conference, Verstappen was heard saying: “The car was f**ked.”
As a result, the Red Bull driver has been summoned to the stewards for his x-rated comment.
A statement from the FIA read: “The driver and team representative are required to report to the Stewards at 19:00, in relation to the incident below: No / Driver - 1 - Max Verstappen.
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“Reason - Alleged breach of Article 12.2.1.k of the International Sporting Code - language used during the FIA Thursday Driver Press Conference.”
Verstappen had already spoke about Ben Sulayem’s comments during the press conference; he said: “A lot of people say a lot of bad things when they are full of adrenaline in other sports, it just doesn't get picked up. I couldn't even say the F-word... It's not even that bad. What are we five year olds, six year olds?”
After being summoned to the stewards, it was decided that Verstappen has the 'obligation to accomplish some work of public interest' as a result of his swearing.