Max Verstappen is taking on the FIA as the row over his punishment for swearing in a press conference rumbles on.
The Singapore Grand Prix stewards told Verstappen he will have to complete "work of public interest" after saying the F-word on Thursday, media day at the Marina Bay Circuit. It was essentially a sentence of community service, for swearing.
Many of his fellow drivers have denounced the punishment. And after qualifying, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton both took the opportunity to back Verstappen, the latter saying: "I think it's a bit of a joke, to be honest. It's the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn't be doing it, and I hope Max won't do it."
Verstappen didn't have a lot to say himself in the press conference, after qualifying second for Sunday's race. After answering the first question posed by host Tom Clarkson, he then refused to say much else in a clear and direct protest of the FIA. Here's everything he said:
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What Max Verstappen said as he protested the FIA after Singapore Grand Prix qualifyingTom Clarkson (TC): Max, it hasn't been the smoothest of weekends for you or Red Bull Racing so far. So how sweet does this front row feel?
Max Verstappen (MV): Yeah, I'm very happy with second today after yesterday. And I would say, also, big thanks to the team for continuing to push throughout the weekend, you know, to make a car better for me. So, yeah, very happy to be on the front row.
TC: What did you change overnight? Because it seems there's been a big difference in performance.
MV: A lot.
TC: Can you elaborate?
MV: No, I might get fined or get an extra day.
TC: Are you confident in the race pace?
MV: Maybe.
TC: I mean, how much of a step into the unknown is the race, given the problems you had yesterday in practice?
MV: It is an unknown.
TC: Tell us about lining up...
MV: It's not towards you, don't worry. I don't want to upset you.
TC: We're fine. But can you just tell us about lining up alongside Lando then tomorrow in terms of the championship battle and your tactics in the race?
MV: I will find out tomorrow.
That was the last of the questions posed to Verstappen by Clarkson, before the press conference turned to requests from written media. When one journalist asked: "How much of the changes were learning about Baku problems? Balance between driver and car breakthrough?" Verstappen responded: "I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room."
When asked if he would speak to journalists outside the room, he put his thumb up high in the air. And he later followed through on that, speaking to reporters as he made his way from the press conference down to the media pen for his TV interviews.
But there were couple more questions for Verstappen first. Asked: "What happens if behaviour triggers another penalty? More community service?" he picked up his microphone and simply replied: "No comment." And then, when asked how long he plans to not give full answers in official FIA press conferences, he quipped: "I'm answering. Just not a lot. Problem with my voice."
