Max Verstappen gave only a basic response during his latest press conference following his FIA penalty.
Formula 1 government agency says he must ‘complete some work that is in the public interest’ after swearing in a press conference.
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“I know my car is terrible,” he said after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, his language being described as “rude” and “disrespectful”, and “unsuitable for broadcast”.
Verstappen said he was ‘speechless’ when asked for his reaction to the punishment, and his frustration was evident on Saturday.
After qualifying in second place for this weekend Singapore Grand Prixhe was present at the next press conference.
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“Max, what happens if the behavior in this press conference triggers another punishment, is that more of a form of community service? I mean, you have a busy schedule…” a reporter asked.
However, Verstappen bluntly replied: “No comment.”
“Max, how long do you expect you will not be giving an answer in the FIA press conference?” asked another reporter.
“I answered, just not much,” Verstappen replied, before adding: “There was a problem with my voice.”
The three-time world champion also responded to another question: “I would prefer if you asked these questions outside.”
He was later seen speaking to reporters after the conference while on his way to speak to television media, this time giving more detailed answers.
Verstappen’s protest could cause more problems for him and the FIA, although this is not yet clear.
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The Dutch driver’s punishment for swearing came after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke out against drivers using abusive language over team radio.
“We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music,” He says.
“We’re not rappers, you know. They say how many swear words per minute? We’re not like that. It’s them and us. [us]”.”
However, Lewis Hamilton has criticised Ben Sulayem’s comments and appeared to back his rival: “With what he said, I didn’t like the way he put it. Calling him a rapper is a very stereotypical thing because most rappers are black.
“It really boils down to, ‘We’re not like them,’ so I think that’s the wrong choice of words and there’s a racial element to it.
“I agree that there are things that need to be clarified a bit, but it’s also good to show emotions because we’re not robots.”
Lando Norris will start from pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, with defending champion Verstappen in second and Hamilton in third.