Johnny Herbert was one of the FIA commissioners who punished Max Verstappen for swearing at a press conference in Singapore. The former F1 driver explained that he wants to maintain a certain politeness in moments of discussion, and avoid excesses during conferences of all kinds.
“At the press conference in Singapore, Max used the F-word about his car. Press conferences are broadcast around the world. There is more swearing than there has ever been “A press conference is not the place for this.” explains Herbert.
“Some journalists have said that the sport is trying to turn drivers into robots. That’s not the case. You just ask them not to swear, which I think is the right thing to do. Most drivers don’t swear not.”
“We had a good open discussion with Max for about 20 minutes, half an hour, in a difficult situation. You could see in his face that he was very upset. But when he left, he seemed calmed by regarding the procedure and its reason for being. He did not blame us.”
“As stewards we have a range of tools at our disposal to sanction drivers. We are there to apply the rules and make a decision together. We could have fined him, but we felt it would be more beneficial to get him to do something socially responsible.”
“It’s up to Max and the FIA to decide what to do. Everything blew up afterwards because he went to the press conference and gave one-word answers and then had his own press conference. impromptu press outside in the paddock.”
“It showed the rebellious side of Max. I like that side of him, that’s what makes him Max, his honest and frank character, but there is a time and a place. Personally, I think “There’s too much swearing. I don’t want my five-year-old grandson to hear that kind of language.”
“Pilots must understand that they are role models”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, explained that drivers are not rappers, which also irritated Lewis Hamilton. Johnny Herbert returns to this comment and explains what pushed Ben Sulayem to say this: “I hope that if Max swears in a press conference at the United States Grand Prix, common sense will prevail.”
“You have to understand that both parties have to work together. I know the FIA president is not happy with the foul language. The drivers understand that it is not okay to swear during a press conference. “
“It’s just something that developed from the president’s initial comment about rappers, which some found offensive, until Max was hauled before the commissioners in Singapore.”
“We had a meeting with the pilots afterwards and at least one of them, who I won’t name, made it clear that in his opinion swearing was not acceptable.”
“There are a lot of young people in the world who love this sport and revere the drivers. The drivers need to understand that they are role models. We decided that there was a matter to be taken care of, if you will. It’s “It’s up to Max and the FIA to agree on the sanction to be taken and its amount. This part is out of our control.”
