Verstappen Penalized for Inappropriate Language

Max Verstappen has been penalized with community service by the FIA for using inappropriate language during a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen described his car as 'f*****' while recounting his performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which the FIA deemed 'coarse' and 'rude'. The FIA, under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has been cracking down on such language, asserting that F1 drivers are role models. Verstappen apologized, citing that English is not his native language, but expressed frustration over the ruling. The punishment includes public service work, similar to a prior incident in 2018, and has sparked debate within the F1 community about the appropriateness of swearing in sports. Some believe the crackdown undermines the raw emotions that are part and parcel of competitive racing.