Max Verstappen made it clear that he was very unhappy with the sanction he received from the FIA by responding minimally during the official press conference after qualifying.
During this conference which brought together the three drivers, the Dutchman, who was given community service for saying the word “Fuck” on Thursday, wanted to respond in his own way by barely answering the questions asked.
Here is the transcription:
How nice is this first line?
Max Verstappen: “Yes, I’m very happy to be second today after yesterday, and I’d also say a big thank you to the team for continuing to push throughout the weekend to improve the car for me. I’m very happy to be on the front row.
What did you change during the night?
MV: A lot.
Can you elaborate?
No, I risk a fine.
To what extent is running a step into the unknown?
MV: It’s an unknown.
The press conference was then opened to the media, with Verstappen still largely refusing to answer questions.
To what extent are the changes due to what you learned in Baku?
MV: I would prefer you ask these questions outside the conference room.
Are you going to speak outside the room?
Max doesn’t respond verbally but nods and gives a thumbs up.
What happens if this behavior triggers another penalty?
MV: No comment.
How long do you think you will not give answers at the FIA press conference?
MV: But I’ll answer you, even if it’s not much. I have a voice problem.
Verstappen also told official interviewer Tom Clarkson: “It’s nothing against you, don’t worry. I don’t want to upset you.”
Verstappen explains himself outside the conference room
It was therefore outside the official FIA conference that Verstappen spoke to journalists and explained his behavior.
“I of course find what’s happening ridiculous. So why should I give full answers? Because I could… it’s very easy, apparently, you get a fine, or you get some kind of penalty as soon as you accidentally say a bad word.”
“I prefer not to talk too much, save my voice and I mean, we can also do the interviews elsewhere, if you need answers to the questions asked.”
Verstappen adds that the FIA wanted “set a new precedent. And people got warnings or a small fine. Now, with me, they wanted to set an even bigger example, I guess.”
“Which to me is a little weird, of course. Because I didn’t insult anyone in particular, I just said one thing about my car. But it’s in the code, so they have to follow the book.”
“I don’t want to blame the stewards, because I had a very good conversation with them. They just have to follow the code, you know, the rule book. I think they’re pretty understanding, but it’s difficult for them as well.”
“I think what I said wasn’t that rude. And, of course, I understand that if you’re targeting someone, it’s a bit easy. Of course, emotions can be high, but it’s still not acceptable. I understand that, but I felt like what I was given was pretty ridiculous.”
Hamilton and Norris support him, Lewis calls for boycott of punishment!
At his side at the press conference, Lando Norris first joked that Verstappen “deserved his punishment” before declaring “I think it’s quite unfair, I don’t agree with any of it”.
Lewis Hamilton added that it was “a bit of a joke” and recommended Verstappen not to carry out his community service punishment!
“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. It’s the pinnacle of sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t do it, and I hope Max doesn’t.”
