Massed around Max Verstappen, in the middle of the Singapore paddock, a crowd of journalists came to gather the Dutchman’s impressions after his first row (2nd) in qualifying an hour earlier. Nothing really surprising, you might say, but there is one detail that is not. No driver traditionally makes himself available for the written press in the middle of the paddock on a Saturday post-qualifying, the drivers being expected at the TV Pen while the top 3 are invited to speak at a press conference… FIA.
Max Verstappen was present in the air-conditioned room at Marina Bay, but more physically than mentally, since the Dutchman barely answered the various questions asked. At the first exit from the audience of journalists who had travelled to Singapore, the Red Bull driver responded laconically: “I would prefer you ask me this question outside of this room, please.” A clear way for him to protest against the sanction he was given following a “inappropriate language” which he was guilty of in this same press conference room last Thursday.
While FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had urged drivers to watch their language, Max Verstappen had the bad idea of describing his Baku car in less than complimentary words, explaining that his RB20 was nowhere, using the most famous vulgar word beginning with an f in the language of Shakespeare (fucked). He was consequently sentenced to community service, which obviously did not go down well with him. He warned the Dutch press on Friday that he would no longer be talkative in press conferences.
And that’s exactly what happened in the wake of the qualification. Questioned for the first time by Tom Clarkson, the mediator of the press conference, the Dutchman gave his longest answer to start with. “I’m happy with my 2nd place after Friday. I want to thank the team for pushing to improve the car on my side.” Nothing more. That’s all he said, then brushing aside each of Clarkson’s relaunches, who didn’t give up.
“- What did you change before qualifying to regain performance like this?
– A lot of things.
– Can you tell us a little more?
– No, because I would risk a fine or an extra day of community service, so…
– Max, are you confident for the race given the race pace you had on Friday in EL2?
– Maybe.
– How much of an unknown is she, given the troubles you had here last year?
– She’s a stranger.
– …
– It’s not against you, eh, I don’t want to upset you personally.
– What will your approach be tomorrow?
– We’ll see tomorrow.”
Anxious not to penalize the journalists, who were given the right to speak immediately, Max pointed out to each of them that he would be happy to answer all their questions. “outside this room”. Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, present at his side, were obviously hilarious. The poleman of the day also played the troublemaker when he was questioned about the sanction given to Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen was not very talkative. © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
“He deserves it”he said to a general burst of laughter. No, that’s unfair, I don’t agree with any of that.” Lewis Hamilton was on the same credo.It’s a joke. This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. Personally, I won’t make them (TIG), and I hope Max doesn’t make them.”. Relaunched one last time by a journalist concerning the possible sanctions he would incur in the event of a repeat offence, the Dutchman did not deviate from his strategy: “No comment”. The media then followed Max Verstappen and his press officer to the back of the Red Bull garage, on the paddock side, to hear the Dutchman’s real reaction. There, he assured that the stewards were not targeted, they had simply applied the rules.
“It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that the language used in its public conferences, such as press conferences, complies with generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts, indicated the commissioners in their sanction report. This applies in particular to statements made by participants in World Championships, who are therefore role models both within and outside the sport. This principle is clearly set out in the FIA regulations and has been reinforced by previous cases brought before the Formula 1 stewards, particularly in Las Vegas in 2023.”
In the initial letter published by the FIA president, it was mentioned that any swearing should not be directed at other humans. By insulting… his car, Max Verstappen may have created a precedent! The fact remains that with a triple world champion mute like that, it is not certain that the Federation is really the winner in this story… especially when we know that the Dutchman is capable of playing like that for a very long time…
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