F1 News
Verstappen condemns the FIA after punishment: 'Want to set a precedent'
Max Verstappen refused to answer questions during the press conference after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutchman protested against the community service punishment he was given earlier in the week, instead addressing media from outside the press conference room. After the press conference, Verstappen truly revealed how he felt about the situation at length.
During Thursday's press conference, Verstappen described his car in Baku as "fuc**d". This timing was very unfortunate, as the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had just made a call for less swearing in the sport. Verstappen had to visit the stewards for this moment and was given a 'community service' charge for his words.
In protest to this, the Red Bull driver kept it short and sweet in the press conference. Outside of it, however, the Dutchman spoke to the media at length.
Verstappen finds the situation 'ridiculous'
"Ridiculous what happened, so why should I then give full answers, because it's very easy to get a fine or you get some sort of penalty," Verstappen stated. "So I prefer then not to speak a lot, save my voice. I mean, we can do the interviews somewhere else and give you any resources you want if you need some answers, if questions are asked," the three-time world champion began.
Verstappen: 'The FIA want to set a precedent'
Verstappen still finds his punishment strange. He believes he has been slapped with a bigger one due to his status in the sport. "Because they want to set a precedent that people get warnings or a little fine. Now, with me, they wanted to set an even bigger example, I guess, which, for me, is a bit weird, of course. Because, I mean, I didn't swear at anyone, particularly, I just said one thing." Verstappen also said that he was happy with the support he received from other drivers. "I think it's quite clear what everyone thinks," the Dutchman said.
He further stressed that it was not a personal clap back towards the stewards on duty. "It's in the code, so they have to follow the book. It's not on the stewards. I don't want to blame this on the stewards because I actually had a really good chat with them. They just have to follow the code, follow the book. I think they're quite understanding, but it's difficult for them as well," he explained honestly.
Verstappen: 'Emotions can run high'
"I think what I said wasn't that bad. Of course, I get if you aim it at someone, I think that's bad, of course. Of course, emotions can run high, but that's still not okay, I understand that. But I felt like it was quite like I said, it was ridiculous what was given to me." The three-time world champion concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden
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