“I think it’s a bit of a joke”- Lewis Hamilton discusses Max Verstappen’s penalty for swearing at the press conference

Lewis Hamilton had a stern take on FIA's penalty towards Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver labeled it a "joke" and advised the Dutchman not to complete the FIA's order in the post-qualifying press conference at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.

Following Verstappen's use of expletives during the media day in Singapore, the FIA handed him a 'punishment' of community service. The F1 governing body released a statement on Verstappen's behavior and ordered him to carry out "some work of public interest."

When asked to share his thoughts about the penalty, Hamilton said:

“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. This is the pinnacle of motorsport, mistakes are made. I certainly won’t be doing [any community service] and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”

Notably, Verstappen and the FIA had quite a showdown during the ongoing race weekend in Singapore. After the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem initiated a directive to curtail drivers' comments that involved profanities, all hell broke loose.

Ben Sulayem said that drivers should differentiate themselves from rappers and watch their language while driving. Reacting to this, Verstappen and Sergio Perez hit out at the FIA and asked them to eliminate the use of live radios during races.

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Max Verstappen finds unique way to protest against FIA

A group of journalists surround Max Verstappen after he gave blunt and short answers. Source: Getty Images

Following the conclusion of the Singapore GP qualifying, Max Verstappen attended the press conference with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. However, the Red Bull driver was limited with his words.

When asked to elaborate on his performance from Saturday, how he felt the RB20 was and what he expected on Sunday, the three-time world champion kept a low profile. When asked the reason behind this, he stated that he was doing it on purpose to avoid being penalized once again.

The Dutchman also revealed that he would answer every question if they were asked outside of the press conference room. Soon after, journalists surrounded him at the paddock and continued with their queries.

Verstappen starts from P2 at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, September 22.