Max Verstappen staged a creative protest at the Singapore Grand Prix, giving “no comment” or comically short answers in the post-qualifying press conference before speaking to journalists out in the paddock.
The move was a protest against the FIA after the Dutchman was punished for the use of swear words on media day on Thursday. After a trip to the stewards, he was ordered to do ‘some work of public interest’.
Verstappen’s punishment was reportedly an unpopular one among drivers and he made sure to call out the sport’s governing body when given the chance in his post-qualifying Sky Sports F1 interview.
“It’s just ridiculous to get a penalty for that,” he protested. “When you insult someone, that’s pretty clear. I didn’t even aim it at a person. It’s a bit of a slip-of-the-tongue moment.
“It’s in the rules. Honestly, this is not even to the stewards as they are just bound by the rulebook. I actually had a great chat with them about it, they are very understanding, but it’s in the rules and you have to apply something. But for me, it’s not the right way to go forward in our sport.”
When he then spoke to the media outside of the press conference, the Dutchman said: “They want to set the precedent, and people got warnings or a little fine. Now with me, they wanted to set an even bigger example, I guess. Which for me is a bit weird, of course.
“Because I didn’t swear at anyone particularly, I just said one thing about my car. But it’s in the code, so they have to follow the book. I don’t want to blame this on the stewards, because I actually had a really good chat with them.
“They just have to follow the code, you know, and the book. I think they’re quite understanding, but it’s difficult for them as well. I think what I said wasn’t that bad. And, of course, I get if you aim it at someone I think that’s bad.”
Fortunately for Verstappen, he can look forward to a positive on-track battle with his championship rival on Sunday. Red Bull expected themselves to struggle this weekend, but the three-time world champion will start from the front row after a strong qualifying session.
