The FIA has confirmed Max Verstappen’s community service punishment following his controversial remarks in Singapore will be served in Rwanda.
The punishment, which the FIA has termed “work of public interest,” stems from the Dutchman’s use of inappropriate language when discussing his car’s performance which was later deemed to be a violation of F1’s code of conduct and professionalism.
The incident that sparked Verstappen’s community service punishment happened during the pre-race press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2024. When asked about his struggles with the car during the previous race weekend in Azerbaijan, Verstappen candidly remarked that his car was “f*****.”
The outburst not only garnered immediate media attention but also triggered a broader discussion about the appropriateness of language used by drivers in official settings.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had previously emphasized the need for drivers to maintain decorum during press events, marking Verstappen’s comments as a significant breach of conduct.
While specific details regarding Verstappen’s community service punishment remained unknown, the governing body has now sanctioned him to engage in public service activities while attending the FIA Awards Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event is historic as it represents the first time that the FIA Awards are being held in Africa, highlighting the continent’s growing importance in global motorsport. The ceremony is expected to attract huge attention, further elevating Rwanda’s profile as a destination for international sporting events.
READ ALSO: Formula 1 boss confirms talks over hosting an African Grand Prix in Rwanda
As part of Verstappen’s community service, the Red Bull driver will collaborate with the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) in a grassroots development program aimed at nurturing young motorsport talent.
This initiative will involve working with junior drivers and utilizing an FIA Affordable Cross Car—a vehicle designed and built locally in Rwanda based on specifications provided by the FIA.
A statement from the FIA read: “The FIA has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s ‘work of public interest’ duty linked to the stewards’ penalty for the use of unacceptable language during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix drivers’ press conference.
“Verstappen will travel to the FIA Awards Ceremony which takes place as part of the General Assemblies next week in Kigali, Rwanda, to collect his fourth consecutive FIA Formula One World Championship trophy.
“While in Kigali he will undertake some work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC). The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car which was built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from blueprints provided by the FIA.
“Design blueprints for the Level 2 category Affordable Cross Car project have been delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs).”
The choice of Rwanda as the location for Verstappen’s community service punishment is particularly noteworthy. The country has been making strides in developing its motorsport infrastructure and promoting racing as a viable sport among its youth.
By engaging with local drivers and participating in development programs, Verstappen not only fulfills his sanction but also contributes positively to the growth of motorsport in Africa. This collaboration reflects a broader commitment from the FIA and established drivers to support emerging talent and foster diversity within the sport.
Additionally, the decision to impose community service rather than a monetary fine reflects a shift towards more rehabilitative measures within sports governance.
Verstappen’s community service punishment will coincide the FIA Awards Ceremony where he will officially receive his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship trophy, marking a celebratory moment amid the controversy surrounding his comments.
While the Dutchman initially expressed frustration over being penalized for his comments—limiting his responses during subsequent press conferences—he has since acknowledged the importance of complying with the FIA’s directives.
Verstappen finished the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in sixth place after serving a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Oscar Piastri on the first lap. He also had two penalty points added to his licence, taking him up to eight in total.
READ MORE: Verstappen’s penalty after Piastri incident in Abu Dhabi puts him at risk of a race ban
