https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-punished-by-fia-over-press-conference-language.4FBhDI6THS9ueTkg8WrlIR
Max Verstappen has been punished by F1’s governing body, the FIA, for using bad language during Thursday’s press conference in Singapore, with the Red Bull driver now obliged “to accomplish some work of public interest”.
Verstappen was summoned to the stewards after swearing in the pre-weekend conference, with the panel reviewing the audio transcript and hearing from the driver and Red Bull team representatives before reaching their decision.
“It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts,” read the stewards’ document.
“In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport.
“This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in Formula One, in particular in Las Vegas in 2023.
“The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the FIA Thursday Driver Press Conference in Singapore and Max Verstappen, driver of car 1, used language to describe his car at the Event in Azerbaijan which is generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ‘cause offense’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast.
“This is ‘Misconduct’ as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k.
“The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language.