Formula One drivers are unified ahead of discussions with the FIA regarding the Max Verstappen swearing incident that overshadowed the Singapore Grand Prix, amid widespread discontent with the sport's governing body. Alex Wurz, the chair of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), feels the penalty imposed on Verstappen was overly harsh and anticipates the organization will reach a consensus before responding to the FIA.
The controversy surrounding Verstappen's use of a swear word during a press conference prior to the Marina Bay race took center stage. Before the event, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his desire for drivers to curb their swearing. Verstappen's subsequent swearing during the Thursday FIA press conference resulted in a day's community service. He responded by almost completely refusing to engage with questions in subsequent press conferences, opting instead to meet journalists privately where he was more willing to speak.
Following his second-place finish behind McLaren's Lando Norris on Sunday, Verstappen warned that his frustration with the FIA's 'silly' stance might lead him to reconsider his future in the sport. His dissatisfaction with the FIA's position and the punishment had already garnered public support from prominent drivers like Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen noted that he received widespread backing from the GPDA, having discussed the matter in the organization's WhatsApp group. 'I wrote in the GPDA [chat] the ruling,' he said. 'And everyone was almost laughing like: 'what the hell is that', basically. It is very, very silly.'
Wurz also supports Verstappen, citing the example of former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who became a beloved figure in the sport partly due to his liberal use of expletives. The Netflix series Drive to Survive, which has significantly boosted F1's popularity, prominently featured Steiner's colorful language.
'How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the F-word?' Wurz asked. 'He was glorified for using the F-word. Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then to suddenly change like that?'
The FIA and Ben Sulayem did not comment on Verstappen or his protests throughout the race weekend, with the punishment being issued by the race stewards in Singapore. Notably, Norris also swore in the cool down room at Marina Bay immediately after the race but has not yet faced any repercussions.
Wurz confirmed that he and the drivers plan to pursue the matter further to seek a resolution. 'I think drivers should be allowed to express themselves authentically to some extent,' he said. 'Of course, it shouldn't be personally offensive, and it shouldn't be discriminatory either. They've all come a long way in that regard. So, for me personally, the penalty is too severe.'
'I have to officially say that we will of course discuss it internally, first reach a full consensus and then we will consider whether and in what form we will talk to the FIA and the president.'
