Max Verstappen Questions Future in F1 After ‘Silly’ Punishment for Swearing

Max Verstappen suggested that his retirement from Formula One could come sooner than expected due to what he calls a “silly” punishment for swearing. The Red Bull driver received this sanction from the FIA, the sport’s governing body, after using inappropriate language during a press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix.

In response to the ruling, Verstappen opted for brevity during subsequent pre-race media sessions, choosing instead to engage with journalists informally in the paddock. Many of his fellow drivers voiced their disbelief at the severity of the punishment, standing in solidarity with the three-time world champion.

After finishing second to Lando Norris in Singapore, Verstappen maintained his terse demeanor in the post-race media appearance, expressing his frustration over the incident. “These kinds of things definitely decide my future as well. When you can’t be yourself or have to deal with these kinds of silly things,” he stated, as reported by Reuters. Verstappen emphasized the fatigue that comes with navigating such restrictions: “It’s really tiring. Of course, it’s great to win races, but once you’ve achieved all that, you want to enjoy yourself too.”

Verstappen’s discontent was clear when he said, “If I have to deal with these kinds of silly things, that’s not a way of continuing in the sport, that’s for sure.” The FIA indicated that Verstappen’s comments about his car’s performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix were deemed “not suitable for broadcast,” highlighting the importance of public figures being mindful of their words, particularly in non-pressured situations.

In a more private setting, Verstappen mentioned that he received strong backing from his fellow Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) members. He noted their reactions in a WhatsApp group chat, where they largely found the ruling laughable. “Everyone was almost laughing, like: ‘What the hell is that?’ Basically, it is very, very silly,” he remarked.

Alex Wurz, chair of the GPDA, also criticized the punishment, suggesting it was excessive. On social media, Wurz quipped about the inconsistency of the rules, referencing Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal known for his colorful language on the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” Wurz questioned how many days of community service Steiner would receive for his frequent outbursts, further underscoring the perceived double standard in the sport.

At 26, Verstappen has previously indicated that he might retire earlier than most drivers. He reiterated his desire to maintain authenticity in his career. “If you can’t really be yourself, to the fullest, then it’s better not to speak,” he said, adding, “That’s what no one wants because then you become a robot, and it’s not how you should go about it in the sport.”

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished behind Norris, Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship was reduced to 52 points. As tensions mount over the FIA’s decisions and their impact on driver behavior, Verstappen’s comments raise important questions about personal expression and governance in Formula One.

With the season continuing, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Verstappen’s attitude toward the sport and whether it will influence his long-term career decisions. For now, he stands at a crossroads, weighing the joy of racing against the constraints imposed by governing bodies.