Singapore GP: Max Verstappen rejects the press at FIA protest

SINGAPORE – Max Verstappen refused to give comprehensive answers during a press conference after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, apparently protesting against the governing body's decision to penalize him for swearing during the media session on Thursday.

The three-time world champion received the formal version of “community service” after using the word “f—ed” during the official FIA press conference on Thursday.

After securing second place in qualifying in Singapore on Saturday evening, he had to attend the FIA ​​post-qualifying press conference to answer questions about the session.

He gave seven short answers to individual questions before telling journalists: “I would prefer if you asked these questions outside of the [press conference] Room.”

As the session, which was also attended by Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, came to an end, Verstappen agreed to speak to journalists outside the room located in the main pit building.

Because he had to attend meetings with television broadcasters after the press conference, an FIA representative prevented him from speaking to journalists directly outside the room. Instead, Verstappen answered questions as he walked down the stairs from the media center to the television area.

When asked if his short answers were a kind of protest against his penalty, Verstappen said: “Of course I find what happened ridiculous.

“Then why should I give comprehensive answers when it seems to be very easy to get a fine or some other kind of punishment?

“That's why I prefer not to speak much, to protect my voice. And of course we can do the interviews somewhere else.”

After Thursday's press conference, Verstappen was summoned to the race control office because of his language. The panel of four race stewards found that he had breached the International Sporting Code.

As a punishment, the Red Bull driver was ordered to “perform a work in the public interest”, a departure from previous decisions in Formula 1 regarding the use of foul language, which resulted in warnings or fines.

“They want to set a precedent,” Verstappen said on Saturday. “People got warnings or a small fine. [in the past] and now they want to make an even bigger example of me, which of course I find a bit strange because I didn't insult anyone in particular, I just said something about my car.

“It's in the code, you know? They have to follow the rules and it's not the stewards' fault. I don't want to blame the stewards for this because I actually had a really good conversation with them and they have to follow the code, follow the rules. I think they're pretty understanding but it's difficult for them as well.”

The punishment followed comments by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem this week calling for tougher action against swearing by drivers.

“We're not rappers, you know,” Ben Sulayem told Autosport. “How many times do they say the F-word per minute? We're not in that. That's them and we're [us].”

When Verstappen was asked on Saturday how he felt about being penalized for expressing his feelings, the Red Bull driver said: “I mean, honestly, I think what I said wasn't that bad.”

“Of course I understand if you target someone who is evil.

“Emotions can run high, but it's still not okay, I understand that. But I found it pretty ridiculous what was being saddled with me.”

Norris and Hamilton sat next to Verstappen at the FIA ​​press conference and answered questions in solidarity with their fellow driver.

“To be honest, I find it a bit funny,” said Hamilton. “This is the pinnacle of sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn't do that. [the community service] and I hope Max doesn't”

Norris added: “I think it's pretty unfair, I don't agree with any of it, so yeah.”

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Lando Norris takes pole at the Singapore GP

Lando Norris takes pole position at the Singapore GP, Max Verstappen is second and Lewis Hamilton third.

Verstappen's full transcript of the post-qualifying press conference

Question: How sweet does this front row feel?

Verstappen: “Yes, I'm very happy with second place today after yesterday. I would also like to say a big thank you to the team for working hard all weekend to continue to improve the car for me. So yes, I'm very happy to be on the front row.”

Question: What did you change overnight?

Verstappen: “A lot.”

Question: Can you explain this in more detail?

Verstappen: “No. I could get a fine or an extra day. Like that.”

Question: Are you satisfied with the race pace?

Verrstappen: “Maybe.”

Question: To what extent is the race a step into the unknown given the practice tasks?

Verstappen: “That’s an unknown. Yep.”

Question: Tell us about…

Verstappen: “This is not directed at you, don’t worry. I don’t want to upset you.”

Question: Tell us about racing alongside Lando tomorrow?

Verstappen: “We will find out tomorrow.”

Question: How many of the changes were lessons learned from the problems in Baku? Has the balance between driver and car improved?

Verstappen: “I would prefer if you asked these questions outside the hall.”

Question: Do you talk to us outside the room?

[Verstappen gives a thumb up sign]

Question: What happens if the behavior results in further punishment? More community service?

Verstappen: “No comment.”

Question: How long do you expect to remain silent at the FIA ​​press conference?

Verstappen: “I answer. But not much. Problem with my voice.”