Since 2020, Max Verstappen has won most races (53) and clinched three back-to-back world titles. The Dutchman has been exceptional with his racing skills, not allowing anyone to take over. Despite a recent surge from Lando Norris and McLaren, Verstappen is still the top contender for lifting the WDC trophy. In the humid conditions of Singapore, the RBR starlet secured the second spot. Although Norris maintained a 20-second gap, Verstappen’s performance was phenomenal, given the current condition of the RB20.
However, the 26-year-old racer was in the headlines due to some other reasons. The pre-race rituals include a press conference. Meanwhile, that media interaction soon became a plot for Verstappen’s penalty. He used an expletive in the conferencing, resulting in strict action by FIA. The authorities are strict about the excessive use of foul words. Therefore, Verstappen was punished. Subsequently, the Dutchman has threatened FIA to leave F1 following the “silly” punishment.
FIA’s “Silly” Verdict Might Cause Verstappen’s F1 Exit
Max Verstappen finished second behind McLaren’s Lando Norris at the Marina Bay Circuit, reducing his championship lead to 52 points. However, the post-race discussions weren’t just about the on-track action. Verstappen expressed frustration with the FIA following the penalty he received for swearing in a press conference before the race. After describing his car using an explicit term, the governing body gave the Red Bull driver a community service punishment.
When asked if such incidents with the FIA might influence his long-term future in Formula 1, Verstappen was candid. He admitted that dealing with these disciplinary actions was exhausting and made him question his place in the sport. Despite his immense success, including three world titles and the pursuit of a fourth, he indicated that the joy of racing was being eroded by what he considered unnecessary issues with the FIA.
Moreover, the Dutchman emphasized that while achieving success and winning championships is thrilling, there comes a point when enjoying the sport is equally important. He pointed out that the constant pressures and what he saw as trivial matters were detracting from that enjoyment. For Verstappen, these ongoing confrontations with the FIA could ultimately determine how long he continues in the sport, suggesting that a future filled with such distractions might not be worth it.
Lewis Hamilton Supports Max Verstappen After The Swearing Row
Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth in Singapore, was outspoken in his criticism of the FIA’s decision regarding Max Verstappen’s punishment. Hamilton expressed his disbelief, labeling the governing body’s stance as ridiculous. He further suggested that he wouldn’t comply with the punishment if he were in Verstappen’s position. According to Hamilton, the penalty handed to Verstappen, which involved community service for using inappropriate language, seemed unnecessary, and he questioned the seriousness of such disciplinary actions in Formula 1.
