Verstappen sanctioned for using inappropriate language at press conference

Singapore. Triple Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) was sanctioned this Friday by the FIA ​​stewards after uttering a vulgar word on Thursday during the press conference prior to the Singapore Grand Prix.

The body that governs F1, the FIA, usually imposes fines in these types of cases, although it has now sanctioned the Dutchman with “carrying out work of general interest” under its supervision, without specifying what type.

The word that led to this sanction was uttered when questioned about the reason why his teammate, the Mexican Sergio Pérez, was faster last weekend in Azerbaijan.

“I don’t know the reason, different configurations. From the moment I started qualifying I knew the car was screwed,” he declared.

Verstappen was fined for using this last word since “it is considered rude language and may offend, therefore it is not suitable for broadcast,” according to the stewards’ decision.

The text states that “the pilot explained that he uses the word regularly after learning English, which is not his native language.”

“While commissioners accept that perhaps this is true, it is important that people who can be role models are aware of the language used when speaking in public and are not under any pressure,” they add.

“Verstappen apologized for his behavior.”

The decision comes after drivers were asked to tone down the foul language they use over team radios and which are broadcast.

Furthermore, the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said this Thursday that the rudeness that could be heard live at the GPs on television had to end.

In an interview with the specialized media Motorsport, the F1 boss called for reducing vulgarity in the language used.

“We must differentiate motor racing from rap. We are not rappers. How many times per minute do they say the word that begins with F (fuck in English, fuck in Spanish)?” said Ben Sulayem.

Pilots like Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc stated that in the heat of the fight, emotions run high and these expressions could simply be eliminated from the broadcasts.