SINGAPORE — Max Verstappen refused to give full answers during a post-qualifying news conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in an apparent protest against the governing body's decision to penalize him for swearing during Thursday's media session.
The three-time world champion was handed F1's version of community service after using the word “fucking” during Thursday's official FIA press conference.
After qualifying second on Saturday night in Singapore, he had to attend the FIA post-qualifying press conference to answer questions about the session.
He gave seven brief answers to individual questions, before telling reporters: “I would prefer you ask these questions outside of the [press conference] room.”
When the session, which included Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, ended, Verstappen agreed to speak to reporters outside the pit lane, which is located in the main pit building.
Due to his commitment to go and speak to the TV presenters after the press conference, an FIA representative prevented him from speaking to journalists directly outside the room and instead Verstappen answered questions as he walked down the stairs from the press centre to the TV area.
Asked if his brief answers were some kind of protest at his penalty, Verstappen said: “Of course, I find it ridiculous what happened.
“So why should I give full answers when it is apparently very easy to get a fine or some kind of penalty?
“That's why I prefer not to talk too much, to keep my voice low, and of course we can do the interviews somewhere else too.”
Following Thursday's press conference, Verstappen was summoned to the stewards' office for his language, where the panel of four stewards deemed him to have breached the International Sporting Code.
The Red Bull driver was ordered to “carry out some work in the public interest” as a penalty, which differs from previous decisions in F1 on the use of profanity that resulted in formal warnings or financial penalties.
“They want to set a precedent,” Verstappen said on Saturday. “People were given warnings or a small fine.” [in the past] And now they want to make an even bigger example of me, I guess, which is a bit weird for me, of course, because I didn't insult anyone in particular, I just said one thing about my car.
“It's in the code, you know? They have to follow the book and it's not the stewards. I don't want to blame the stewards because I had a very good conversation with them and they have to follow the code, the book. I think they are quite understanding, but it's also difficult for them.”
The sanction follows comments made this week by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said he wanted to crack down on insults by drivers.
“We're not rappers, you know,” Ben Sulayem told Autosport. “They say the F-word how many times a minute? We're not into that. It's them and we're into that.” [us].”
Asked on Saturday how it felt to be penalised for expressing his feelings, Verstappen said: “I mean, honestly, I think what I said wasn't that bad.
“Of course, I understand that if you target someone, that's bad.
“Emotions may be running high, but it's still not right, I understand that. But I thought what they gave me was ridiculous.”
Norris and Hamilton sat alongside Verstappen at the FIA press conference and answered questions in solidarity with their fellow driver.
“I think it's a bit of a joke, to be honest,” Hamilton said. “This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn't do it.” [the community service] and I hope Max doesn't do it”
Norris added: “I think it's quite unfair, I don't agree with any of that, so yeah.”
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Lando Norris takes pole position at Singapore GP
Lando Norris takes pole position for the Singapore GP, with Max Verstappen in second and Lewis Hamilton in third.
Full transcript of Verstappen's post-qualifying press conference
Question: How sweet does this front row feel?
Verstappen: “Yeah, I'm really happy with second place today after yesterday. I also want to thank the team for continuing to push hard throughout the weekend to keep improving the car for me. So yeah. I'm really 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 might get fined or given an extra day. So…”
Question: Are you sure about the race pace?
Verrstappen: “Maybe.”
Question: To what extent does the course delve into the unknown, taking into account practice problems?
Verstappen: “It's an unknown. Yes.”
Question: Tell us about…
Verstappen: “It's not something that's directed at you, don't worry. I don't want to upset you.”
Question: Tell us what your lineup will be alongside Lando tomorrow?
Verstappen: “We'll know tomorrow”
Question: To what extent were the changes due to learning from the problems in Baku? To what extent was a balance achieved between the development of the driver and the development of the car?
Verstappen: “I'd rather you asked these questions outside the race room.”
Question: Will you talk to us outside the room?
[Verstappen gives a thumb up sign]
Question: What happens if the behavior results in another sanction? More community service?
Verstappen: “No comment.”
Question: How long do you think you will be unable to give answers at the FIA press conference?
Verstappen: “I'm responding, but not much. I have a problem with my voice.”
