Is Verstappen in trouble after press conference? This is what the FIA say

F1 News

FIA responds to max verstappen and his press conference in singapore
Today at 08:22
Last update at 12:45
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  • Ludo van Denderen

It was a remarkable press conference, to say the least. Max Verstappen - in protest against his 'community service' for swearing during an earlier press conference - refused to answer questions at length. Only after the session ended did the Red Bull Racing driver respond to journalists' questions; albeit outside the press room.

Not long after the very brief press conference, it was seen by all present that Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull's team manager, conferred with Tim Mayer. Later, the same Mayer also spoke with fellow steward Johnny Herbert, FIA press officer Roman de Lauw, and Tom Clarkson, as was visible to all media. Of course, it is not officially known what they were all talking about, but it is easy to guess.

Did Verstappen bring Formula 1 into disrepute?

It is not permitted for drivers (and all other employees in Formula 1) to discredit the sport. If this does happen, the stewards can impose a penalty. There may be people who see Verstappen's actions on Saturday night in Singapore as discrediting F1. Although Verstappen's answers were short and concise, Verstappen complied with the regulations. An FIA spokesperson told GPblog this Sunday that the three-time world champion does not have to fear a sanction. 

"No, he took part in the FIA Press Conference as required by the procedures," was the brief statement from the motorsport federation, which is responsible for the official press conferences during a Formula 1 weekend.