Verstappen serves punishment after CONTROVERSIAL FIA decision…More
Verstappen serves punishment after CONTROVERSIAL FIA decision
Max Verstappen has completed a controversial FIA-imposed punishment following an off-track incident during the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The Dutch driver, who dominated F1 in 2023 to claim his fourth consecutive world title, faced a more challenging path to success this year due to stiff competition from McLaren and Lando Norris.
Verstappen endured a mid-season slump after winning the Spanish Grand Prix in June, frequently struggling with the performance of the Red Bull RB20.
Adding to his frustrations were grid penalties that often dropped him from his qualifying positions, further hampering his title bid.
Despite these setbacks, Verstappen rebounded with victories in Brazil and Qatar.
The FIA’s most controversial decision involving Verstappen came after he swore during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Criticizing his car’s poor performance, he used explicit language, calling it “f***ed.” The outburst led to an unusual penalty—a community service requirement.
In protest, Verstappen boycotted FIA press conferences, opting to address the media from the paddock instead.
The penalty saw Verstappen travel to Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in a grassroots motorsport development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).
During his visit, Verstappen interacted with young drivers and engineers, witnessing the country’s first cross car and promoting local motorsport initiatives.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Verstappen’s efforts, highlighting the importance of such community engagement.
He emphasized that the initiative exemplified true diversity by focusing on people rather than machinery.
Ben Sulayem suggested that similar activities should become standard practice for all drivers, potentially as part of their licensing agreements.
The FIA shared the event on social media platform X, commending Verstappen for fulfilling his obligation.
While the penalty sparked debates, it also underscored the governing body’s aim to encourage F1 stars to contribute to the global growth of motorsport.
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