After swearing during Thursday's FIA press conference, three-time world champion Max Verstappen will have to "accomplish some work of public interest".

The Singapore stewards heard from the Dutchman and a Red Bull team representative after reviewing an audio transcript of the press conference.

It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the world championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport. This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the stewards in Formula One, in particular in Las Vegas in 2023.

The stewards reviewed the transcript of Thursday's press conference in which Verstappen used language to describe his car in Baku using language that is generally considered "coarse, rude" and may "cause offense" and is not considered suitable for broadcast.

This is "misconduct" as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k.

The stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group.

When summoned to the stewards Verstappen explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language.

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 apologized for his behaviour.

The stewards noted that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. But, as this topic has been raised before and is well known by the competitors, the stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously and that Verstappen be "obliged to accomplish some work of public interest" (Art. 12.4.1.d of the International Sporting Code), in co-ordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA.

The move comes a day after FIA president revealed that he had called on Formula One Management to censor bad language out of its broadcasts.

In reaction to the punishment the Dutchman was heard to mutter something but it wasn't entirely clear what it was.

Utter b******s! RIP F1.

Check out our Friday gallery from Marina Bay here.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Spindoctor, 22/09/2024 10:37

"@Max Noble YES!"

Rating: Negative (-1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by kenji, 22/09/2024 0:42

"As an engineer and ex merchant navy, I have more or less grown up with a background that included 'robust and forceful' language. However there are times to use it and times to abstain. That said, the margins have become blurred and where once it would be a 'quelle horreur' moment it now seems to be almost 'de rigeur' especially in filmed entertainment and TV prods.! The word or words need to have context and they are simply a useful manner of expression when other words lack suitable depth, and do not convey or suit. There are ways and means of using technical solutions to the broadcast and as such I do not believe that drivers should be censored for fruity'' expressions from time to time. My biggest regret is that the massive overuse of said words/expressions have reduced the impact that used to be associated with there usage and wokeness prevails...unfortunately the FIA has become infected.

"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by Stitch431, 21/09/2024 8:19

"In the Netherlands it is pretty common to speak out with force if something does not work. As a matter of fact, as I have traveled to more than 80 countries, I found this to be the case everywhere. I think it is hypocritical to behave in the overprotective, nannying way the FIA is behaving. It seems to me they are frustrated for other reasons and take it out, especially on Verstappen, who, as a Dutchman is straightforward and outspoken. This is not a cultural thing, as all around the world people swear when something is not going the way they want. To me this looks like trying to be more Roman than the Pope, to use an old Dutch proverb. Therefore I plead for a board of fans who can penalize the stewards for their mistakes too, as this is really absurd. Raise your hands all who are in favor of this."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by Max Noble, 21/09/2024 3:51

"Someone should play the FIA classic Derek and Clive sketches from the 1970’s. I think they’d retrospectively ask for both to be in prison for life…. “Pharck me, the pharking, pharker has gone and pharked ‘emself…” etc.etc….

…simple happy times…
"

Rating: Positive (4) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by BillH, 20/09/2024 19:16

"Liberty will be fined next for having concerts with certain artists that either swear on stage or in their actual songs.
In regard to the press conference, just don't show it live or have it delayed so it can be bleeped as in radio."

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

6. Posted by meatball, 20/09/2024 16:39

"Clutch my f@cking pearls... this is so petty."

Rating: Positive (4) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

7. Posted by Mad Matt, 20/09/2024 13:01

"Exactly JamesD he speaks English well enough to know.. even with my poor level of Dutch I wouldn't make the mistake the other way round.

Even people in my football division get punished for bad language and while we're a long, long way from the top level we are passionate but manage to control ourselves in public."

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

8. Posted by JamesD, 20/09/2024 12:44

"So Max, you say 'fu**ed' in front of Kelly's daughter Penelope ?! Pull the other one, it's got bells on !!"

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

9. Posted by Spindoctor, 20/09/2024 12:38

"Too silly!
Well done FIA./ What was a "controversy" concerning heat of battle expletives, easily bleeped-out, is now being widely reported & one of the best drivers punished - garnering yet more negative publicity."

Rating: Negative (-3) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

10. Posted by Superbird70, 20/09/2024 12:34

"Max should team up with Guenther Steiner and tour kindergardens for F1.
We are doomed."

Rating: Positive (4) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Verstappen punished for swearing

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page