Max Verstappen's father Jos Verstappen slams the FIA amid recent clampdown on driver language

Jos Verstappen has strongly criticized the FIA’s recent crackdown on inappropriate language during press conferences, following Max Verstappen’s reprimand and community service penalty in Singapore. Speaking exclusively to Autosport, the father of the triple world champion expressed his disagreement with the regulatory body, finding the ruling difficult to comprehend.

Max Verstappen received the penalty for dropping an f-bomb while describing his car in the Thursday drivers’ conference ahead of the 2024 Singapore GP. In response, the Dutchman protested by offering minimal answers during the post-qualifying and post-race press conferences. Instead, he held separate, off-camera debriefs with the media, including Sportskeeda.

Addressing the media, Max Verstappen warned of growing dissatisfaction among drivers regarding the FIA’s recent focus on minor issues. He shared that many of his fellow drivers in the GPDA supported him following the reprimand and expressed concern that such an environment could influence his future in the sport.

Jos Verstappen echoed his son’s sentiments, calling the ruling “ridiculous” and citing a similar situation in rally racing, where Sébastien Ogier mentioned being advised by the FIA to be cautious with his language. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of curbing foul language within the sport.

Speaking to Autosport, Jos said:

“I think that is the most ridiculous thing. But we also see it in rally. I don't think the FIA is doing a very good job. But I won't say too much about this!”

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Helmut Marko backs Max Verstappen on his protest against the FIA ruling over driver language

Helmut Marko believes Max Verstappen’s concerns about recent FIA rulings should be taken seriously, especially since they could impact the Dutch champion’s enjoyment and longevity in Formula 1. The Red Bull Racing senior advisor defended Verstappen’s use of the f-word in Singapore, pointing out that it was used to describe his car and was not directed at anyone. Marko expressed concern that if the FIA continues to regulate trivial aspects of the sport, Verstappen could be forced into early retirement.

The Austrian criticized what he sees as a double standard, noting that former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner frequently used strong language in the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive and on live broadcasts without facing repercussions. While he acknowledged that banning such language in press conferences might be reasonable, Marko argued that restricting radio communication, which reflects the spontaneous emotions of drivers, is a step too far. He feels the FIA should consider the broader context before imposing such penalties.

Speaking to Motorsport Total in an interview, Marko said:

“You have to take Max seriously. He has achieved a great deal, but it is important to him that he also enjoys the whole sport. If that is increasingly spoiled for him, then he is of a character that when he says: 'Okay, that's it’. He means it seriously, but I hope that the current situation won't really cause him to retire soon.”

Asked about Steiner’s swearing on Netflix and in the past, Marko said:

“Yes, that's not understandable and there are double standards. And on top of that, Max didn't mean a person. He meant the car, an object, and he did it in a flippant way. Okay, maybe in an afternoon press conference, if it's all going to be handled so strictly you'll just take a different approach in the future. But it's clearly over the top.”

Guenther Steiner's use of colorful language in *Drive to Survive* made him a Netflix sensation and a fan-favorite character in the sport. In contrast, Max Verstappen's reprimand for using inappropriate language in the Singapore GP press conference has sparked a broader debate. The Dutchman received support from Lewis Hamilton, who also disagreed with the FIA's ruling on the incident.

Hamilton expressed hope that Verstappen would not have to carry out any community service as a result of the penalty. Both champions believe that clamping down on language in such a manner risks stripping away the human element of Formula 1, with Verstappen adding that it diminishes the enjoyment of the sport. Their shared sentiment highlights concerns over increasing regulations on driver behavior, which many feel are unnecessary and overly restrictive.

The saga between Verstappen and the FIA is likely to remain a key theme heading into the Austin GP weekend, as discussions about drivers' freedom to express themselves will continue to dominate the conversation in the paddock.