F1 champion Max Verstappen refuses to answer questions in swearing row

Handed a penalty for swearing, F1 champion Max Verstappen opted to stage his own mini protest after Singapore GP qualifying.

Max Verstappen largely refused to answer questions. Photos: Getty Images

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The world of Formula 1 is something of a playground for the rich and famous, populated mostly by young men with enormous salaries and egos to match.

F1 can also be the setting for some classic dummy spits when those egos don’t get everything their own way.

Enter three-time reigning world champion, Max Verstappen.

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The Dutchman has owned the F1 arena for the past three-and-a-half years, but has found his crown under major threat over the second half of the 2024 season.

It has led to a number of outbursts from the 26-year-old, who has blamed his car, his team and just about everyone associated with Red Bull since McLaren emerged as a genuine threat to the energy drink team’s driver and constructor championships.

Pole sitter Lando Norris (centre), with second placed Max Verstappen and third placed Lewis Hamilton. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

In fact, on Thursday ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend getting underway, Verstappen was asked about the car’s set-up following a fifth-placing behind Aussie Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan GP and he replied his team had “f**ked” the car.

Tell us what you really think, Max.

He was reminded of his language by host Tom Clarkson at the time before he was summoned to face stewards the following day.

F1 has been keen to clamp down on swearing, which is often heard over team radios during the heat of battle, and handed Verstappen effectively a “community service” penalty for his language.

The superstar driver labelled the penalty “ridiculous” and blamed a “slip of the tongue” for his expletive.

It does all seem a bit petty, with Verstappen then opting to throw the toys out of the proverbial cot by staging a protest of sorts in the press conference after he qualified second for the Singapore race.

“It’s not you, it’s me.” (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“Psst, pass it on.” (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

After initially thanking his team for its efforts to improve the car, Verstappen soon buttoned his lips.

Asked what was changed, he replied “a lot” and then said “no, I might get a fine” when asked to elaborate.

After assuring Clarkson his protest wasn’t aimed at him, Verstappen told the media he would “prefer if you asked these questions outside of the room”.

When it was put to Verstappen that his behaviour could trigger another penalty, he replied “no comment” before pulling off a swift manoeuvre to then blame his voice.

“I’m answering,” he said. ”It’s not a lot. There’s a problem with my voice.”

So there.

Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who finished first and third in qualifying respectively, offered their support to their fellow driver.

Hamilton was backing Verstappen. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“I honestly think it’s a joke. This is the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made,” Hamilton said.

“I certainly wouldn’t (serve the punishment) and I hope Max doesn’t either.”

Norris had a bit of fun at the furore by stating: “He deserved it, foul language. No, it’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”

Verstappen did meet with the media outside of the press conference room to answer questions.

“Honestly, I think what I said wasn’t that bad,” he told the reporters.

“Of course, I get that if you aim it at someone that’s bad. Emotions can run high, but it’s still not OK, I understand that.

“But I felt like it was quite ridiculous what was given to me.”

Former world champion and Sky F1 pundit Nico Rosberg then offered his take, suggesting Verstappen was playing with fire.

As promised, Verstappen spoke to media outside the press room.

“Max is really going for it now, not even speaking in the FIA press conference,” he said.

“You’re contractually obliged to answer the questions. It’s a fine line. He’s pushing the limits there.

“He is the world champion, so he’s the most important person in the paddock. It’ll be interesting to watch that play out.”

Verstappen is not expected to face any further punishment for his mini protest and fans on social media platform Reddit seemed to be loving the drama.

“I’m gonna miss Max when he’s gone, this s**t is so funny,” one wrote.

“Now that’s what I would call a power move, remind the FIA who brings the money. Dimwits trying to fix something that wasn’t broken,” declared another.

“Very anti-establishment of him. What a legend,” was another take.

“I don’t really like Max, but oh my did I enjoy this,” stated a fourth.

It all adds a little extra spice to the Singapore Grand Prix, starting at 10pm AEST on Sunday, especially if Verstappen gets on the podium and faces Clarkson and the press once more.