SINGAPORE, Sept 21 — Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was yesterday punished for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference by governing body the FIA.
The Red Bull driver is now obliged “to accomplish some work of public interest”, said a panel of FIA stewards, after the Dutch driver used the F-word in Thursday’s drivers’ press conference which was being broadcast live.
Verstappen was summoned to appear before stewards after the first practice session in Singapore yesterday and the audio transcript was reviewed.
Verstappen was deemed to have used language “which is generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ‘cause offence’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast,” read the stewards’ decision.
“The stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group... the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language,” it continued.
“While the stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure.
“Verstappen apologised for his behaviour.”
The punishment comes just a day after drivers were asked to tone down their use of foul language over team radio during races.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told Autosport.com in an interview that motorsport was not “rap music” and drivers should mind their language, especially as children might be watching.
Leading drivers such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc hit back at Ben Sulayem, saying in the heat of battle emotions run high and their words could be simply edited out of the broadcast if deemed offensive.
And seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton did not like Ben Sulayem’s comparison with rap music.
“I don’t like how he’s expressed it, saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical. And most rappers are black,” said Hamilton.
“That was the wrong choice of words. There’s a racial element there.” — AFP
