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Federation Internationale de l'Automobile the governing body of F1 punished Red Bull's star driver Max Verstappen ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024. He has been punished by FIA, for using foul language during Thursday’s press conference in Singapore. The Dutch driver will now have to serve some work for public interest.
Why Was he punished?
Verstappen was called in by the stewards after he used bad language in the pre-weekend press conference. The panel listened to the audio and spoke with him and representatives from Red Bull before making their decision. It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport.
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This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in Formula One, in particular in Las Vegas in 2023. The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the FIA Thursday Driver Press Conference in Singapore and Max Verstappen, driver of car 1, used language to describe his car at the Event in Azerbaijan which is generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ‘cause offense’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast," read the stewards document.
“This is ‘Misconduct’ as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language. While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure. Verstappen apologised for his behaviour. The Stewards note that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. But, as this topic has been raised before and is well known by the competitors, the Stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously and that Verstappen be ‘obliged to accomplish some work of public interest’ (Art. 12.4.1.d of the International Sporting Code), in coordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA," the document added.
Max Verstappen who is currently leading in the F1 Drivers Standing this season will now be seen in action in Singapore Grand Prix. The Red Bull are now second to McLaren in the Constructor Championship.
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