Max Verstappen Stays Firm in Press Conference After Swearing Controversy
Lando Norris topped the charts in qualifying, with Max Verstappen securing a close second place.
During a recent press conference following the qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, known for his fierce competitive nature, took a strong stance against the FIA. His limited responses to the media hinted at his discontent with the governing body and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, particularly after receiving a penalty for using profanity.
Prior to the race weekend, Ben Sulayem had encouraged drivers to curb their use of offensive language, a request that backfired after Verstappen referred to his car as “f***ed.” In response, the FIA imposed a penalty on Verstappen, equivalent to a day of community service in Formula 1 terms.
At the obligatory FIA press conference for the top three drivers, Verstappen addressed the first question briefly, expressing satisfaction with his qualifying run and acknowledging his Red Bull team. However, he switched to terse replies for the following inquiries.
When pushed for further details, he made his stance unmistakable: “No,” he stated when asked to elaborate. “I might get fined, get an extra day.” His remarks were clearly directed at the FIA, as he clarified to moderator Tom Clarkson, “This is not towards you.”
Verstappen showed a willingness to answer questions outside the FIA’s jurisdiction, saying, “I would prefer if you ask these questions outside of the room,” reinforcing his position.
Both Norris and Hamilton expressed support for Verstappen, with Hamilton openly criticizing Ben Sulayem’s approach. “It’s a bit of a joke,” Hamilton commented. “This is the pinnacle of the sport; mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t either.”
Initially, Norris coaxed some laughter, suggesting Verstappen deserved the penalty, but quickly shifted gears, commenting, “It’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”
The tension in the press conference likely unsettled the FIA, but Verstappen seemed to enjoy the moment. He added a bit of humor, remarking, “I am answering, just not a lot—problem with my voice.”
When the discussion turned to whether he felt the FIA leadership was lacking, Verstappen was straightforward. “It’s just ridiculous to get a penalty for that,” he emphasized. “When you insult someone, that’s pretty clear. I didn’t aim it at a person; it was a bit of a slip of the tongue. It’s not the right way to go forward in our sport.”
As of now, the FIA has not responded to Verstappen’s comments or behavior. It was clear that he aimed to make a statement, especially after achieving a strong qualifying result. Norris clinched pole position with an impressive lap, two-tenths ahead of Verstappen, who nonetheless delivered a significant performance, especially given the challenging conditions at the Marina Bay circuit.
Verstappen not only maximized his efforts but also strengthened his position in the championship, looking to preserve his 59-point lead over Norris. The two drivers will be side by side on the grid for what promises to be a thrilling race under the lights of Singapore, setting the stage for potentially more heated exchanges. Rounding out the top five were George Russell in fourth and Oscar Piastri in fifth.
