Max Verstappen fires ultimatum to FIA president as….continues at United States…read more
Max Verstappen has confirmed his ongoing media protest during the United States Grand Prix, emphasizing that the responsibility to resolve the issue rests with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Verstappen has been at odds with F1’s governing body since the Singapore Grand Prix, when he was reprimanded for swearing during the FIA’s official press conference on media day. The incident led to Verstappen being summoned to the stewards, where he was handed a community service punishment.
The three-time world champion was unhappy with the verdict and has since protested by giving brief or dismissive answers in official press conferences. After the Singapore event, Verstappen responded with short replies, such as “no comment,” during the post-qualifying press conference, making it clear that he was dissatisfied with the FIA’s handling of the situation.
As the F1 season heads to Austin for the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked whether his stance had changed. He confirmed that he would continue his protest, as no communication had been made by the FIA to resolve the issue. “I have not heard anything [from the FIA], so for me, it doesn’t really change anything,” Verstappen explained on Thursday. “With the situation, I mean, I also have to talk less, so it is fine for me.”
Verstappen made it clear that while he remains open to discussing the matter with FIA president Ben Sulayem, he doesn’t feel it’s his responsibility to initiate the conversation. “At the end of the day, everyone has their own opinion, but it is quite clear that, like I said already, it was silly stuff. I am always open for a chat [with Ben Sulayem], but from my side at the moment it is not that I am the one who has to reach out with this stuff. I just live my life and continue, nothing changes.”
The protest continues to add tension between Verstappen and the FIA as the championship-winning driver stays firm on his stance. His remarks suggest that the issue is far from resolved, and until the FIA takes steps to engage with him, he plans to persist with his minimalist responses during official press events. For now, Verstappen seems content to let the situation stand unless the FIA initiates a conversation to address his concerns.
