BREAKING NEWS: FIA Steward weighs in on Max Verstappen........

FIA Steward Defends Max Verstappen’s Punishment in Swearing Controversy

FIA Race Steward Johnny Herbert has weighed in on Max Verstappen’s recent controversy with the Formula 1 governing body over his use of profanity during a press conference, defending the punishment handed to the Dutch driver. The issue arose after Verstappen was caught swearing during the Thursday press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. As a result, the Red Bull star was ordered to complete a day of community service by the FIA.

This comes in the wake of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s call for a crackdown on swearing in top-tier motorsport. Verstappen’s use of the expletive “f***” prompted immediate consequences from the FIA, which led to tension between Verstappen and the organization. Verstappen’s response was evident in the subsequent press conferences, where he adopted a tight-lipped approach, giving brief answers and holding conversations with the media outside of FIA oversight. This stance raised questions about the future of his relationship with the sport’s governing body.

In defense of the FIA’s actions, Johnny Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver and current race steward, stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in such high-profile environments. “Press conferences are broadcasted globally, and there’s more swearing than there ever used to be. A press conference is not the place for that kind of language,” Herbert told CasinoHawks.

Herbert pointed out that while some argue the sport is pushing to make its drivers appear robotic, the stewards’ request was simply for drivers to avoid swearing, which he considers a reasonable expectation. “Most drivers don’t swear in press conferences, and it’s important to ask them to be respectful. We had an open discussion with Max for about 20 or 30 minutes, and it was clear he was really upset about the situation,” Herbert explained. He noted that Verstappen’s frustration was palpable, but he believes the Red Bull driver eventually understood the rationale behind the punishment.

One key point Herbert emphasized was that the stewards are not the ones setting the regulations; they are merely tasked with enforcing the rules as laid out in the FIA’s Sporting and Technical Regulations. He clarified that Verstappen did not direct his frustration at the stewards personally, acknowledging that their role is to ensure that drivers follow the rules. “Max didn’t blame us, as stewards, for what happened,” Herbert stated. “Our job is to apply the rules and make a collective decision. We could have chosen to fine him, but we felt it would be more constructive for him to engage in something socially responsible instead.”

Herbert praised Verstappen’s response to the punishment, even acknowledging the Dutchman’s rebellious nature. He appreciates Verstappen’s candid and outspoken personality, which is part of what has made him so successful in the sport. However, he also highlighted that there is an appropriate time and place for such expressions. Herbert pointed to Verstappen’s actions following the penalty as a sign of his independent streak. After receiving the punishment, Verstappen limited his answers to one-word responses during a formal press conference but then held his own impromptu media briefing outside the FIA’s jurisdiction. “That shows Max’s rebellious streak, which I love. It’s part of who he is, but there’s a proper context for everything,” Herbert said.

Despite his admiration for Verstappen’s character, Herbert reiterated his belief that swearing in a formal setting like a press conference is unnecessary. He expressed concerns about the influence such behavior might have on younger fans of the sport. “I don’t want my five-year-old grandchild to be exposed to that kind of language,” Herbert noted.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions among drivers, with some, including Verstappen’s former title rival Lewis Hamilton, reportedly supporting the Red Bull driver’s stance against the punishment. Hamilton and others have suggested that the punishment was too harsh and that the focus should remain on racing, not on curbing drivers’ emotional outbursts. However, Herbert remained firm on the importance of maintaining a level of professionalism, especially when drivers are role models for fans around the world.

Herbert hopes the conflict between Verstappen and the FIA can be resolved before the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. He stressed the need for both sides to come to a mutual understanding and work together moving forward. “If Max swears again at the US Grand Prix, I hope common sense prevails. It’s important that everyone involved understands that working together is key,” Herbert stated. He also emphasized that the FIA President’s position on foul language is well-known, and most drivers understand that swearing in such public settings is not acceptable.

Herbert concluded by revealing that at least one driver has already expressed support for the FIA’s stance against swearing, though he chose not to disclose the name of the individual. “One driver made it clear that, in their opinion, swearing during press conferences is not acceptable,” Herbert said. “Drivers need to remember that they are role models, and there are young fans who look up to them.”

The Verstappen swearing controversy has highlighted a growing divide between the sport’s governing body and some of its star drivers, but the hope remains that a peaceful resolution can be found ahead of the next race.