Max Verstappen FIA protest will continue during this weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin after weeks of no response from the governing body since the Singapore incident.
This ongoing situation stems from an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix where the reigning Formula 1 world champion was penalized for using inappropriate language during a press conference.
The punishment, which he described as “ridiculous,” has sparked significant debate within the F1 community regarding the limits of driver expression and the role of the FIA in regulating such matters.
The controversy began when Max Verstappen, frustrated with the performance of his Red Bull car, used an expletive to describe its condition. The outburst happened just hours after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly criticized drivers for their language, declaring that they were “not rappers” and should be mindful of their words.
Following this incident, Verstappen was handed what many have referred to as a form of community service, a decision that he vehemently opposed.
In response to the penalty, the Red Bull driver protested by holding his own spontaneous press interviews in the Singapore paddock after providing brief responses at the FIA press conferences.
In the weeks following the Singapore race, Verstappen has maintained his stance against the FIA’s handling of the situation. During his media appearances leading up to the United States Grand Prix, he indicated that he would continue to limit his responses during official FIA press conferences.
The Red Bull star expressed disappointment over not receiving any communication from the governing body since the incident.
“I have not heard anything from the FIA, so for me it doesn’t really change anything,” Verstappen said at the United States Grand Prix when asked about potential discussions with FIA officials.
Instead of providing comprehensive answers, he opted for brief, one-sentence replies, effectively staging a protest against what he perceives as an overreach by the FIA.
“With the situation. I mean, I also have to talk less, so it is fine for me,” he remarked, emphasizing that he would continue to speak on his own terms outside of official settings.
The Dutchman also said he would be open to discuss the matter with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and would be waiting for his call.
“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,” Verstappen added.
“I am always open for a chat, 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.
“This particular scenario, I think it is very unnecessary. Of course I know you can’t swear but that is more related to insults and then you see comments from people saying they don’t want kids seeing that.
“Well, when I was five years old, I never watched a press conference in my life anyway. At school, you say way worse things than that, that’s just how life is.
“If you want to set an example, yeah, sure, but I don’t think you should make a big deal of it. I just want to live my life, and if I don’t agree with something I will say it. That’s it.”
His lack of engagement with FIA representatives reflects a broader sentiment among drivers who feel that their voices are not being adequately heard in discussions about regulations and conduct.
The Max Verstappen FIA protest has also resonated with other drivers on the grid. George Russell, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), confirmed that the drivers plan to collectively address their concerns with the FIA.
Russell noted that many drivers have shared their thoughts on the issue and are preparing to submit a formal letter outlining their position on swearing and driver expression during press conferences.
READ ALSO: Verstappen advises Piastri to “never accept” McLaren team orders
