JUST IN: Verstappen’s Frustration Grows Over FIA Penalty: Could It Lead to His F1 Departure?
Verstappen’s Frustration Grows Over FIA Penalty: Could It Lead to His F1 Departure?
Max Verstappen, after the Singapore Grand Prix, hinted that his exit from Formula 1 could be sped up by the recent punishment he received for swearing during a news conference. The 26-year-old Dutch driver has never been driven by a desire for a lengthy F1 career or by the goal of breaking records, as he’s expressed interest in pursuing other motorsport endeavors. Following a weekend filled with controversy over his behavior during press conferences, Verstappen signaled that his patience was wearing thin with what he sees as trivial matters that are negatively affecting his experience in the sport.
After being penalized by race stewards for using offensive language to describe his car’s performance in a pre-event press conference in Baku, Verstappen was ordered to carry out public service work as punishment. In response, he protested during the Singapore weekend by providing brief, curt answers in the official news conferences after qualifying and after the race, while giving more detailed comments outside the formal setting. He called the penalty “ridiculous” and was supported by his title rival Lando Norris and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, both of whom shared his view.
Verstappen explained that situations like this make him question his future in the sport, as he feels he is being prevented from being himself. He argued that a driver should be able to express emotions, as that is part of what makes racing and other sports compelling. He warned that if drivers are forced to suppress their feelings, they risk becoming robotic, which detracts from the authenticity and passion of the sport.
In his view, being repeatedly subjected to these kinds of disciplinary actions is not something he is willing to tolerate for much longer. He noted that when he feels it’s enough, he will walk away from the sport, even if Formula 1 continues without him. Verstappen also expressed disappointment in the way he was treated by the FIA, especially given his history of helping the governing body with various tasks and favors. He pointed out that he had previously worked with junior stewards and participated in interviews at the FIA’s request, which made the punishment feel particularly unjust.
Verstappen also revealed that his fellow drivers in the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) backed him on this issue, with many of them finding the ruling absurd. He noted that they had discussed the matter in their GPDA WhatsApp group, and the reaction from the other drivers was one of disbelief at how trivial the penalty was.
In the wake of the controversy, Verstappen suggested that his behavior in future press conferences could depend on how things progress. He questioned the logic behind some of the decisions made by officials, such as the fine imposed on Carlos Sainz for crossing the track after crashing in qualifying. Verstappen felt that Sainz’s actions were safe and that the penalty was unnecessary, which added to his frustration with the way the sport is being managed.
When asked if he would raise the issue with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Verstappen responded by saying that it wasn’t just an FIA issue, but a problem with how Formula 1 and its governing bodies operate together. While he didn’t rule out discussing it with officials, his tone suggested that his frustrations run deep, and this latest incident has only added to his growing disillusionment with
the sport.
About The Author
