Max Verstappen has confirmed that the FIA’s decision to punish him for swearing in Thursday’s preference could play a role in determining his long-term F1 future.

The three-time world champion has been vocal in the past about his internal debate about his future in the sport, and Verstappen once again touched on the topic after the FIA stepped in to criticise his colourful language in Singapore.

Following a chat with the stewards, Verstappen was ordered to complete some ‘work of public interest’ sparking a furious reaction from the Dutchman, and some of his F1 rivals.

In reaction, Verstappen staged a protest in the post-qualifying press conference, refusing to speak to the media in the FIA’s official presser before answering their questions out in the paddock.

After the race on Sunday, he went one step further. “Oh, for sure,” he stated. “I mean, these kind of things definitely decide my future as well.

“You can’t be yourself, or you have to deal with these kind of silly things. I think now, I’m at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring.

“Of course, it’s great to have success and win races, but once you have accomplished all that, winning championships and races, you want to just have a good time as well.

“Of course, everyone is pushing to the limit. Everyone in this battle, even at the back of the grid. But if you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me, that is another way of [not] continuing in the sport.”

While Verstappen was extremely frustrated with off-track matters, the quality of his drive in Singapore could not be questioned. The Dutchman minimised the damage as Lando Norris cruised to victory, finishing second while his team-mate came home in P10.