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Formula One's governing body FIA has confirmed Max Verstappen will serve the swearing penalty he faced due to swearing at a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix 2024. The penalty consists of one-day community service assignment which FIA has announced will be in Rwanda , Africa. The community service is followed by FIA annual awards ceremony in Kigali on December 13. The top three drivers in the Drivers Standings will also gather there to celebrate the season's success.
The Top three drivers in Drivers' Standing 2024 are - Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen’s Frustration and Penalty
A controversy erupted at the Marina Bay Street Circuit when Max Verstappen, in a moment of frustration, dropped the F-bomb regarding his RB20 Formula 1 car. This occurred despite a prior warning from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who had urged drivers to avoid swearing during live broadcasts. Verstappen's disregard for this advice resulted in a penalty, which came amid heightened tensions throughout the race weekend.
Tense Interactions with the Media
Verstappen’s penalty followed a series of tense media interactions over the weekend. Known for his blunt responses, Verstappen notably opted for a press conference outdoors in the paddock, bypassing traditional media engagements. This decision added fuel to the fire, intensifying the controversy surrounding his actions at the event.
FIA Clarifies Verstappen's Obligations
Following the penalty, the FIA clarified how Verstappen would fulfill his "work of public interest" duty. According to the governing body, the four-time World Champion will travel to Rwanda as part of his obligation. There, he will engage with junior competitors in a grassroots motorsport program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC). The program aims to promote accessible motorsport opportunities through the FIA Affordable Cross Car, a vehicle built locally in Rwanda.
FIA Statement on Verstappen’s Commitment
The FIA issued an official statement after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which read:
“The FIA has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s 'work of public interest' duty linked to the stewards’ penalty for the use of unacceptable language during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix drivers' press conference.
“Verstappen will travel to the FIA Awards Ceremony, which takes place as part of the General Assemblies next week in Kigali, Rwanda to collect his fourth consecutive FIA Formula 1 World Championship trophy.
“While in Kigali, he will undertake some work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club [RAC].
“The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car, which was built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from blueprints provided by the FIA.
“Design blueprints for the Level 2 category Affordable Cross Car project have been delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities [ASNs].”
FIA Awards Ceremony and Future Engagement
Verstappen’s trip to Rwanda will coincide with the FIA Awards Ceremony, where he will collect his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship trophy. Additionally, fellow drivers Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, who secured second and third place in the Drivers' Standings, will also attend the prestigious event. This marks another chapter in Verstappen’s career, as he continues to be involved in efforts to grow motorsport globally.
