No extra sanction for Verstappen's post-quali protest

No further penalties will be applied to Max Verstappen following his protest against the FIA's crackdown on swearing, as per the drivers' union president.

Max Verstappen made his displeasure known after being penalised for using the word "f**k" during Thursday's official FIA press conference in Singapore.

During the post-qualifying FIA conference, Verstappen bluntly and deliberately refused to respond properly to questions. He told the gathered media, "I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room," in a defiant move.

Despite his reluctance to speak during the FIA session, Verstappen was far more forthcoming with journalists as he walked back in a media scrum to the Red Bull hospitality area.

"This is not against the stewards," he clarified, "but I think it is ridiculous - so why should I give full answers?"

The Dutch driver also commented, "With me, they seem to want to create a big precedent, which seems very strange. I didn't insult anyone. For me, this is not the way we can move forward in this sport."

Following his disruptive behaviour at the press conference, FIA representatives spoke with Verstappen, who received public backing from fellow racer and polesitter Lando Norris, as well as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"I think it's a bit of a joke, to be honest," Hamilton remarked.

"This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made."

Hamilton also added, "I certainly won't be doing it, and I hope Max doesn't do it," referencing Verstappen's penalty, which requires him to undertake an unspecified day of community service.

Alexander Wurz, who is in Singapore, acknowledged that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's initiative to reduce bad language had become a significant topic within the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group.

"Nobody in the chat thinks it's cool," the former driver said. "All the drivers are heated about it."

Wurz further noted that it was "unusual" that the FIA president didn't give drivers a heads-up before "immediately deciding to go public" and enforcing penalties like Verstappen's.

"Of course you have to be careful with your choice of words," the Austrian stated, "but nowadays it is also so difficult for a driver to remain authentic and to be who he wants to be."

"I am personally not a fan of verbally attacking competitors," Wurz added. "But if Max complains about his car, then that should only be a discussion with his team boss."

Verstappen confirmed that while Wurz, Norris, Hamilton and others supported him publicly, "generally it's clear what everyone is thinking."

Auto Motor und Sport reported that it contacted the FIA to ask if further action would be taken against Verstappen for his protest, to which the governing body replied, "the matter is closed."

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