Max Verstappen ordered to do ‘work of public interest’ after swearing on TV

Max Verstappen has been ordered to “accomplish work of public interest” by Formula One’s rulers after he swore in a televised press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen described his Red Bull at the previous round in Azerbaijan as “f*****” in the official media FIA call to preview Sunday’s race here in the City State.

Verstappen’s language, which was deemed “coarse” and “rude” by the FIA, came after the sporting federation’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said he wanted F1’s stars to stop swearing over the radio.

Verstappen, 26, was summoned to the stewards at 19:00 local time (12pm BST) with the FIA releasing its verdict just 24 minutes later.

“The stewards heard from the driver of car 1 (Max Verstappen), team representative and reviewed the audio transcript,” a statement from the FIA read.

“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.

“The stewards reviewed the transcript of the FIA Thursday driver press conference in Singapore and Max Verstappen used language to describe his car at the event in Azerbaijan which is generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ’cause offence’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast. 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