Lewis Hamilton encourages Max Verstappen to ignore FIA’s…read more
Lewis Hamilton has encouraged Max Verstappen to disregard the FIA’s community service order after the Dutch driver defied Formula One’s governing body by refusing to engage fully in the official press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen’s refusal came just a day after he was sanctioned for using inappropriate language during Thursday’s media call.
At the Marina Bay Circuit, Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren, while Verstappen will start alongside him on the front row. Hamilton, starting in third, joined Verstappen and Norris for a press conference that took an unusual turn. Verstappen, visibly uninterested in answering questions, offered only brief responses, appearing to intentionally limit his engagement with the media.
When asked about changes to his car, Verstappen tersely responded, “A lot.” When pressed to elaborate, he refused, citing concerns over further penalties: “No, I might get fined or get an extra day (of community service).” His answers remained minimal throughout the session, giving only vague replies such as “Maybe” when asked about his confidence in race pace and “It is an unknown” when questioned about the uncertainties of the upcoming race.
Verstappen apologized to the FIA moderator, Tom Clarkson, clarifying, “This is not aimed at you… I don’t want to upset you.” Despite the moderator’s efforts to extract more detailed responses, Verstappen stuck to his non-committal stance, even suggesting that reporters ask their questions outside of the official press setting. When asked if his behavior might lead to additional penalties, Verstappen simply replied, “No comment.” He maintained that he was answering questions, but in a very limited capacity, claiming, “I’ve got a problem with my voice.”
In a surprising show of solidarity, Hamilton defended Verstappen’s actions, criticizing the FIA’s decision to punish Verstappen for his earlier comments. “It’s a bit of a joke, to be honest,” said Hamilton when asked about Verstappen’s penalty for describing his Red Bull as “f*****” during Thursday’s call. Hamilton, who has had his own run-ins with the FIA in the past, added, “This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it (the community service), and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”
The press conference wrapped up with Verstappen remaining true to his word by limiting his engagement with the media. After the official session ended, Verstappen continued answering questions outside the FIA’s watchful eye, surrounded by a group of journalists in the paddock. “I prefer not to speak a lot and we can do the interviews somewhere else,” said the Red Bull driver, reiterating his frustration with the FIA’s actions.
“They (the FIA) want to set a precedent and make an even bigger example out of me, which is a bit weird,” Verstappen explained. “I didn’t swear at anyone. I just said one thing about my car. It’s in the code. They have to follow the book. I don’t want to blame the stewards. I had a really good chat with them. They’re quite understanding, but it’s difficult for them too.”
Verstappen voiced his disapproval of the severity of the punishment, calling it “ridiculous.” He acknowledged that emotions can run high during races but emphasized that his comment didn’t warrant such a harsh response. “What I said wasn’t that bad. I get it if you aim it at someone. But the punishment was ridiculous,” he added.
When asked if he felt supported by his fellow drivers, Verstappen responded positively. “Yes. Some speak out more than others. But in general, it is quite clear what everyone thinks.”
Meanwhile, on the track, Norris claimed his fifth pole position of the season, edging out Verstappen by 0.203 seconds in a dramatic qualifying session. Carlos Sainz’s crash in Q3 left Norris at the front of the pack, but he acknowledged the challenge ahead. “They are on my tail and a bit closer than I would like,” Norris admitted. “But I am confident if I can stay ahead, I can get my head down and go away.”
As Norris aims to secure his third win and cut down Verstappen’s 59-point lead, all eyes are on the front row of the grid, where tensions are running high both on and off the track.
