"It's wasted energy and serves no good" - Max Verstappen criticised by F1 pundit for stand-off with FIA

F1 pundit Martin Brundle has criticized Max Verstappen for getting distracted by the fight against the FIA regarding swearing during F1 race weekends.

This affair started with the FIA president urging teams and drivers to keep a check on foul language, especially on radio messages transmitted during race sessions. These comments were discussed in a press conference ahead of the Singapore GP, where Verstappen spoke against such moves. While explaining his car's situation, he used the F word, which triggered a penalty by the FIA.

Following this, in the next few press conferences, the Red Bull driver gave largely monosyllabic replies in the usual conferences. However, he spoke to the media at length in the paddock. Meanwhile, this issue was discussed by other drivers and in the GPDA.

In his column on Sky Sports, Brundle questioned the defending world champion's decision to take on the FIA on this matter. He opined that Verstappen was getting distracted and was wasting his energy. He wrote,

"I'm not sure why Max is allowing himself to get distracted and dragged into the swearing battle with the FIA. It's wasted energy and serves no good purpose for him, but he still largely wouldn't answer questions in the press conference post-race."

---

Max Verstappen gives take on FIA's plan to curb swearing in F1

Max Verstappen gave his opinion on FIA curbing swear words in F1. Speaking at the Singapore GP press conference on Thursday, he opined that even though people do not swear in professional spaces like press conferences, they would swear elsewhere.

He added that children watching F1 would pick up swearing even if the sport does not promote or broadcast it. He said,

"I think you will swear anyway. if it's not in this room maybe somewhere else. Everyone swears. Some people a bit more than others. It also depends a bit what language you speak."

He added,

"Excuse me for the language but come on, what are we? Five-year-olds?Six-year-olds? Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, I mean they will eventually swear anyway, even if their parents won't or they will not allow it. When they grow up they will walk around with their friends and they will be swearing. So you know this is not changing anything."

When it comes to the track, Max Verstappen continues to lead in the world championship standings with 331 points as he looks to defend his title, but is being chased by McLaren's Lando Norris in second place, with 279 points.