Max Verstappen's response when asked about the FIA’s new swearing rules for 2025 speaks volumes
Verstappen was in no mood to be caught out.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: FIA, Max Verstappen, Formula 1, George Russell
Tom Jenkins
Topics: FIA, Max Verstappen, Formula 1, George Russell
Max Verstappen made his feelings very clear after being asked about the FIA's new Sporting Code ahead of the F175 season launch at the O2 in London.
Ahead of the historic season launch the topic on everyone's mind was the FIA's controversial new rules around swearing and misconduct.
The 2025 International Sporting Code was outlined by the FIA in January, with a drivers now risking point deductions and race bans for 'misconduct.'
This comes after Verstappen was handed community service for describing his Red Bull car as 'f**ked' in a press conference last year.
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During the F175 press conference with the world champion, he was asked on his thoughts of the new rules and the Dutchman gave a very telling response.
“Umm yeah I prefer not to speak about that, it might get me into trouble, so it’s better not to answer that," Verstappen joked.
Verstappen pulled a similar stunt in Singapore last year, where he refused to take questions during the FIA's presser and held his own press conference in the paddock as a form of protest.
Unsurprisingly, Verstappen wasn't the only driver to be quizzed on the topic during the event, with GPDA chairman George Russell explaining the FIA may have gone too far.
“As an individual it’s going quite far with everything," Russell claimed.
"Ultimately, especially for the guys where English isn’t their first language, the first thing you get taught are the swear words.
“All the Italian words he’s [Kimi Antonelli] teaching me are the swear words, so I don’t really know to be honest.”
However, the Mercedes driver was quick to point out the FIA may have a point regarding language during media sessions, which is what Verstappen was originally punished for.
“As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference]," he added.