Former F1 driver… ‘extraordinary’ Verstappen punishment. Read more
Former F1 driver and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman Alex Wurz has criticized the punishment given to Max Verstappen for using bad language during the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen, 26, used the F-word when describing his Red Bull RB20 in a press conference, which caught the attention of the FIA, particularly as its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had recently called on drivers to curb their use of inappropriate language.
The FIA stewards deemed Verstappen guilty of violating the guidelines and sentenced him to “public interest work,” though the specifics of this punishment remain unclear. Wurz, 50, found the punishment “extraordinary” and expressed his dissatisfaction with the process, arguing that the FIA had acted too publicly without first engaging in dialogue with the drivers.
Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Wurz said, “The fact that you immediately go public, without first seeking dialogue and going to the drivers, they [the drivers] don’t think it’s cool.” He emphasized that drivers should be able to express themselves freely, as this authenticity has historically contributed to the popularity of Formula 1. According to Wurz, language use is part of that freedom.
The controversy surrounding Verstappen’s language comes after Sulayem voiced concerns about swearing in F1, expressing a desire to restrict the broadcast of team radio communications that contain offensive language. Verstappen disagreed with Sulayem’s stance, stating that he does not believe swearing should be an issue, though he does support limiting the broadcasting of such messages if they contain offensive language.
Wurz shared a similar sentiment, acknowledging that while personal attacks are not acceptable, frustration with one’s own car should be handled internally within the team. “Personally, I’m not a fan of verbally attacking competitors,” Wurz stated, adding, “But if he is ranting about his car, then he should raise that with his team boss.”
The punishment imposed on Verstappen has sparked debate over the boundaries of self-expression in F1, with Wurz suggesting that the sport’s appeal has historically relied on allowing drivers to be themselves, including in moments of frustration. For now, it remains to be seen what form Verstappen’s “public interest work” will take, and how this incident will shape future FIA rulings on driver conduct.
