Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen gave short answers at a news conference on Saturday, seemingly to protest against the FIA for punishing him for swearing.
Verstappen attended the FIA’s news conference for the top three drivers after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, where he placed second, but he was hesitant to talk.
On Friday, he was told to “accomplish some work of public interest” at the FIA’s discretion for using a bad word to describe his car in a different FIA news conference the day before.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed a desire to reduce swearing in F1, which has caused some disagreement between the governing body and the drivers.
After a short statement expressing his happiness with his qualifying position and thanking his Red Bull team, Verstappen kept his replies brief, stating he could be fined if he said more.
When asked about changes made to his car, he replied, “A lot.” When asked if he felt confident for Sunday’s race, he said, “Maybe.” Regarding starting next to title rival Lando Norris on the grid, he stated, “I will find out tomorrow.”
As the event host struggled to get more responses from him, the Dutch driver clarified, “This is not towards you, don’t worry. I don’t want to upset you.”
Verstappen’s quietness was limited to the FIA news conference. He had previously answered questions on TV from the pit lane and encouraged reporters to ask him outside the news conference room.
When asked how long he would continue giving short answers at FIA events, he said, “I’m answering, just not a lot. Problem with my voice.”
Verstappen received support from Norris and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who has shared his own concerns about Ben Sulayem’s approach.
After joking that Verstappen deserved his punishment for “foul language,” Norris said, “It’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”
