F1 drivers… at Max Verstappen in group chat as FIA row…read more.
Max Verstappen and fellow F1 drivers are reportedly mocking his recent community service punishment in their group chat, following a controversial ruling by the FIA during the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen, the reigning three-time world champion, was penalized for swearing during a Thursday press conference. As a result, the FIA ordered him to complete ‘work of public interest,’ which many found laughable, including his peers.
The incident occurred during an official FIA press event where Verstappen let slip an expletive. This led to a meeting with the race stewards, who decided on the community service punishment. Verstappen, however, was quick to express his discontent. In protest of the decision, he answered post-qualifying questions with one-word responses or “no comment,” though he later provided more comprehensive remarks when speaking with media in the paddock.
Verstappen shared that the ruling had become a topic of amusement among the F1 drivers, particularly in their shared WhatsApp group, managed by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). “Yeah, for sure. Of course, I wrote in the GPDA [chat] the ruling, and everyone was almost laughing like, ‘What the hell is that’ basically. So, yeah, it is very, very silly,” Verstappen told reporters.
The reaction highlights broader frustration within the F1 community, particularly regarding the FIA’s sudden crackdown on language. Many drivers seem to find the decision inconsistent with how swearing has been handled in the past, especially considering that Netflix’s popular Drive to Survive series frequently features uncensored profanity from team principals, including Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner.
GPDA chairman Alex Wurz also weighed in on the situation, bringing attention to the inconsistency in the FIA’s actions. Wurz pointed to how Steiner, in particular, has been glorified for his colorful language, especially during his appearances on Drive to Survive. “How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the F-word? He was glorified for using the F-word. Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then to suddenly change like that? [The choice of words] is not my personal taste as a driver,” Wurz said in an interview with Formel1.de.
Despite the differing opinions on language use, the drivers’ main issue seems to lie in the abrupt enforcement of this specific rule and the FIA’s lack of clarity about what constitutes unacceptable behavior. Verstappen, along with many of his colleagues, sees this inconsistency as hypocritical, particularly when comparing it to the leniency shown towards swearing in the Netflix series, which has become an integral part of the sport’s global image.
Wurz acknowledged that as GPDA chairman, he had a duty to address the drivers’ concerns in a professional manner. “As GPDA chairman, I have to officially say that we will, of course, discuss it internally, first reach a full consensus, and then we will consider whether and in what form we will talk to the FIA and the president,” he added. Wurz’s statement hints at potential forthcoming discussions between the GPDA and the FIA regarding the punishment and how similar situations might be handled in the future.
Meanwhile, Verstappen has found some backing in Lewis Hamilton, a long-time rival and fellow champion. Hamilton openly shared his thoughts on the matter during the post-qualifying press conference, siding with Verstappen in his disapproval of the punishment. Hamilton’s involvement further emphasizes that this issue isn’t just about Verstappen alone, but a broader discontent shared by multiple drivers on the grid.
While discussions within the GPDA are still ongoing, it seems clear that Verstappen is not alone in his frustration. The drivers are expected to consolidate their stance before formally addressing the FIA. This situation highlights a growing tension between the governing body and the athletes, as drivers push back against what they see as inconsistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
The outcome of these talks could set an important precedent for how the FIA manages driver behavior in the future, and whether language deemed “colorful” will continue to be a point of contention in Formula 1. For now, Verstappen will serve his community service, but the issue remains a talking point within the sport’s inner circles.
