Max Verstappen, the leading driver in Formula One points, was told to “perform some job of public interest” on Thursday after using an offensive term during the press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix.
The governing body of Formula One, the FIA, imposed the penalty after stewards listened to the audio recording and determined that the word he used to describe his car was insulting and against FIA regulations.
There was no mention of the public-interest activities he was required to do.
“The Stewards saw that no individual or group was the target of the language. The driver, upon being called before the Stewards, clarified that the term was common usage in his speech, given that English was not his first language “the stewards noted in their formal decision.
“The Stewards acknowledge that this might be the case, but it is crucial that role models practice mindfulness when they speak in public, especially when they are not feeling particularly pressed for time.”
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen apologized, according to the stewards.
Verstappen, 26, reportedly remarked that his car’s setup at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix was “f—ed,” according to The Athletic.
The Netherlands’ Verstappen is having a difficult time right now. Despite winning seven of the first nine events of the season, he has not been on the top step of the podium since June 23 in Spain.
He dominated the previous season, taking home 19 of 22 titles.
