A new controversy has erupted in Singapore between the Verstappens and the FIA, with Max Verstappen protagonist. The three-time world champion was penalised by the stewards for using inappropriate language during Thursday's press conference, describing his car as "fucked" in reference to the problems he had in Azerbaijan. The punishment handed down by the FIA was that he was required to carry out community service, a decision that sparked a backlash from Max Verstappen and, later, his father Jos.
The Sanction Against Max Verstappen and the FIA's Reaction
It all started when, during the pre-GP press conference in Singapore, Max Verstappen used the term “fucked” to describe the problems he encountered with his car in Baku. The FIA, which had already expressed its desire to reduce the use of foul language in competition, decided to intervene with a sanction that irritated the Dutch champion. The result was a polemical attitude from Verstappen in the subsequent press conferences, where he preferred to give short answers and speak to journalists outside the official conference venue.
Verstappen made it clear that he was disappointed by the sanction, suggesting that incidents like this could affect his permanence in Formula 1. “These things decide my future. You can’t be yourself, and you have to deal with ridiculous issues,” said Max Verstappen.
Jos Verstappen strongly criticizes the FIA
The penalty imposed on his son did not go unnoticed by Jos Verstappen, who expressed his opinion during the Rally East Belgium. Interviewed by Motorsport.com, the former Formula 1 driver called the FIA's punishment “ridiculous”.
“I think it’s the most ridiculous thing of all,” said Jos Verstappen. “I don’t think the FIA is doing a good job,” he added, referring to both Formula 1 and other competitions such as rallying. Jos pointed out that similar sanctions have been imposed in other motorsports, citing the case of WRC champion Sébastien Ogier, who was fined 30.000 euros for criticising the stewards during the Acropolis Rally.
The former driver then commented with an ironic smile, saying that he would have preferred not to add further comments on the FIA's management. However, his message was clear: the new rules on language moderation are seen by the Verstappen family as an obstacle to the spontaneity and freedom of expression of the drivers.
The Battle Between the Verstappens and the FIA
The controversy in Singapore has opened a front of conflict between the Verstappen family and the FIA. Max has been open about his frustration, even suggesting that similar episodes could lead him to consider an early retirement from Formula 1. “When you have won everything, you also want to enjoy it. But if you constantly have to deal with these things, it becomes really tiring,” Verstappen said, revealing a growing dissatisfaction with the FIA-regulated environment.
Jos Verstappen did not hesitate to openly side with his son, criticizing the FIA's management in a direct and sarcastic manner. The Verstappen family therefore seems ready to continue its battle against what they consider to be overly severe rules.
The FIA's new course: less swearing, more control
The FIA's decision to sanction Verstappen is part of a broader effort to limit the use of offensive language in competition. The Federation's president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, explained that the goal is to prevent negative or vulgar comments from fueling hatred on social media against race officials. For this reason, the Federation has amended the international sporting regulations, imposing restrictions on the language used by drivers during official events.
Despite the FIA's justification, this new policy has sparked criticism within the paddock. Many drivers, as well as industry insiders and fans, see these rules as an attempt to limit the emotional expression of drivers in moments of tension.
The Singapore episode has sparked discussion within the paddock, with many drivers and teams expressing support for Verstappen. It is expected that the issue of language will be officially addressed by the drivers with the FIA during the next Grands Prix, with the aim of discussing the measures imposed.
