Max Verstappen has faced disciplinary action from Formula One's governing body for using offensive language shortly after a dispute involving the world champion and other drivers against FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem's call for drivers to refrain from swearing. Verstappen is expected to strongly address this issue as the Singapore Grand Prix weekend progresses.

Before the race weekend commenced, Ben Sulayem had stated: "We must distinguish between our sport – motorsport – and rap music. We are not rappers, you know. They use the f-word multiple times per minute. That's their world, not ours." This comment drew criticism from Lewis Hamilton, who accused Ben Sulayem of employing stereotypical bias with a "racial element" when referencing rap artists. Both Verstappen and his rival Lando Norris argued that swearing is sometimes an inevitable part of the intense and emotionally demanding nature of their dangerous sport.

Verstappen's use of profanity during a televised FIA press conference on Thursday, where he referred to his car in the previous Baku race as "fucked," led to his summons by the stewards less than 24 hours later. After a 13-minute hearing, he was penalized for using language deemed "coarse, rude, or offensive" under the rules. Verstappen will be required to perform unspecified public interest work as part of his punishment.

The FIA regulations emphasize that drivers should serve as role models and prohibit actions or words that could cause "moral injury." The FIA's statement noted that Verstappen apologized and argued that the word in question is commonly used in everyday speech, particularly since English is not his native language. However, this argument was rejected.

This decision is likely to add to Verstappen's challenges during the Singapore Grand Prix. He enters the race with a 59-point lead over Norris, but Red Bull is expected to face difficulties at the Marina Bay circuit. With seven races remaining and a total of 206 points available, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by an average of nine points per race. A strong performance by Norris in Singapore could significantly reduce this gap.

Red Bull's decision to abandon their fan-inspired liveries for this race and the upcoming US GP highlights their cautious approach. The team determined that the new livery would add approximately 1kg of weight, equating to a loss of around three-hundredths of a second per lap. This small margin underscores the intense pressure Red Bull is under.

Since the Miami GP, Red Bull's car has struggled with balance issues, and Verstappen has not won a race since the Spanish GP in June. The team believes they are working towards a solution, but it will not be ready until the Austin race. Singapore, with its 19 corners and bumpy street circuit, is particularly challenging for the RB20.

Last season, both Verstappen and teammate Sergio Pérez failed to reach Q3 in qualifying, although Verstappen managed a fifth-place finish in a more dominant car. This year, their advantage over competitors has diminished significantly.

Verstappen was cautious before the weekend, acknowledging that reaching the top 10 in qualifying is a realistic goal, but a win would require "a small miracle." Overtaking at Marina Bay is difficult, especially without a significant speed advantage, which Red Bull no longer possesses. Practice sessions in Singapore did not bode well for Verstappen, who finished 15th in the second session under floodlights.

Pérez fared slightly better in eighth place, while Norris led the pack, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. McLaren's Oscar Piastri is also expected to pose a strong challenge to Norris in the title race. McLaren has confirmed they will modify their rear wing after complaints about its legality, including from Red Bull. The wing passed FIA tests but was observed flexing at high speeds in Baku. The modifications will apply to high-speed, low-drag tracks like Baku and Monza, and are likely to be used next in Las Vegas.