Max Verstappen has confirmed he will maintain his current approach to Formula 1 press conferences amidst an ongoing dispute with the FIA, following a penalty he received for swearing during an official event. The Red Bull driver, who introduced a policy of giving minimal answers in FIA press briefings during the Singapore Grand Prix, will carry this stance into the upcoming US Grand Prix this weekend in Austin, Texas.
Verstappen’s Approach to FIA Press Conferences
Max Verstappen’s decision to limit his responses in official press conferences came after the FIA penalized him for swearing during a post-race interview. The three-time world champion, known for his competitive edge and emotional responses on and off the track, responded by giving the briefest possible answers during the Singapore Grand Prix.
Speaking ahead of the US Grand Prix, Verstappen reiterated his decision to continue with this minimalistic approach, stating, “I haven’t heard anything (from the FIA), so for me it doesn’t change anything. I prefer of course to talk less, so it’s fine anyway for me.” This attitude suggests that Verstappen is content to avoid extended conversations within the formal FIA press setting, as long as he meets the mandatory participation requirements.
Open to Conversations Outside the Press Room
While Verstappen will continue to minimize his responses during the official FIA press events, he remains open to engaging with the media in a more relaxed setting. In Singapore, Verstappen offered more extensive answers to reporters outside the press conference room, and he plans to do the same at the US Grand Prix.
When asked how the media could expect more detailed responses from him, Verstappen commented, “This table works well,” referring to informal discussions outside the structured FIA environment. He characterized the dispute as “silly” and expressed frustration over the attention it has drawn.
FIA and Swearing Controversy
The dispute began when Verstappen faced backlash for swearing during an official interview, leading to his decision to curtail his participation in FIA press conferences. He explained that while he understands the importance of maintaining professionalism, he finds the FIA’s reaction to the incident exaggerated. “Of course I know you can’t generally swear, but it’s more about when you insult someone,” Verstappen said.
He also criticized the argument that swearing in press conferences might negatively influence young fans, saying, “When I was five years old, I never watched a press conference in my life anyway. And at school, you hear way worse things than that.” Verstappen downplayed the severity of the issue and stated that it should not be treated as a major controversy.
Other Drivers Weigh In
The dispute involving Verstappen has drawn comments from fellow Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Hamilton described the situation as “not a good look,” signaling disapproval of the public nature of the dispute. Meanwhile, George Russell, who serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, suggested that drivers are planning to take collective action.
Russell emphasized that many drivers share similar concerns regarding the FIA’s stance on swearing, saying, “It does seem a little bit silly that it has come to this.” He also noted that the drivers intend to engage with the FIA on the matter during the next race in Mexico, and that a collective statement from the drivers could be expected.
“We don’t want to take away the heat-of-the-moment emotions that drivers show during a race,” Russell said, underscoring the challenge of balancing competitive intensity with maintaining decorum. The drivers are looking for a resolution that preserves the authenticity of their emotions without overstepping professional boundaries.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s decision to continue his measured responses in official press conferences reflects his stance on what he views as an overreaction by the FIA. While the Dutch driver is not shying away from media engagement entirely, he is choosing to limit his participation in formal settings as a protest against the governing body’s handling of the swearing controversy. As discussions between drivers and the FIA are expected in the coming weeks, the Formula 1 community will be watching closely to see how this dispute evolves.
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