F1 drivers gear up for crucial discussions with FIA president
23 Sep 2024

Formula One drivers are preparing for crucial discussions regarding a potential challenge to Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) president Mohammed ben Sulayem.

This comes after Max Verstappen was issued a community service order for using explicit language during a press conference.

Verstappen expressed his frustration with the FIA's decision, labeling it as "silly" and hinting that it could expedite his exit from Formula One.

Verstappen's silent protest; reaction of fellow drivers
Silent protest

In response to the FIA's ruling, Verstappen chose not to participate in the official post-qualifying press conference on Saturday.

Instead, he opted for a detailed discussion with journalists at the Singapore paddock.

This move was interpreted as a silent protest against his penalty.

Fellow drivers Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris have voiced their support for Verstappen, with Hamilton advising him to disregard the penalty and Norris deeming it "unfair."

GPDA chairman weighs in on Verstappen's penalty
Chairman's stance

Alex Wurz, former Benetton and Williams competitor and current chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers's Association (GPDA), stated that the association would discuss this issue internally before deciding on any action against the FIA and its president.

In an interview with Formel1, Wurz questioned the inconsistency in penalizing Verstappen for swearing while former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner was celebrated for similar language use.

FIA president's stance on swearing and team reactions
Team responses

The penalty was imposed shortly after FIA president Ben Sulayem emphasized that drivers should refrain from using explicit language on the radio.

He also suggested that they should not behave like rappers, a comment that Hamilton interpreted as having racial undertones.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended Verstappen's language use during Sunday's race, stating that "all of these drivers are role models but this is language that is used in everyday life."

FIA's history of penalizing explicit language use
Past penalties

The FIA has a history of attempting to limit the use of explicit language in press conferences.

In 2023, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur and Mercedes's Toto Wolff were cautioned for the same at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Notably, Verstappen's community service order will be carried out under the supervision of the FIA's secretary general for sport at a yet-to-be-determined date.