Ex-Formula 1 driver turned Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle has weighed in on the controversial community service penalty handed to Max Verstappen for using an expletive during a press conference, urging the Dutch driver not to waste his energy on the matter. Brundle’s comments come after the FIA stewards penalized the Red Bull ace, highlighting what many see as blatant hypocrisy in a sport where swearing is hardly rare.
The penalty was a direct response to FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem’s recent call for drivers to avoid using foul language in official duties, including press conferences and post-race interviews. Ben Sulayem stirred controversy with his “we’re not rappers” comment, setting off a heated debate that culminated in Verstappen becoming the first high-profile target of this newfound crackdown.
The hypocrisy of the situation hasn’t been lost on fans and pundits alike. F1 is no stranger to colorful language, both on and off the track, with figures like former Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner practically building a brand on his unfiltered speech. Yet, Verstappen’s slip-up was met with disciplinary action, a move seen by many as a thinly veiled power play by the FIA.
Brundle, reviewing the drama that unfolded at the Singapore Grand Prix, suggested that Verstappen shouldn’t allow himself to be dragged into the FIA’s trivial pursuit of decorum. “I’m not sure why Max is allowing himself to get distracted and dragged into the swearing battle with the FIA,” Brundle remarked. “It’s wasted energy and serves no good purpose for him.”
Brundle acknowledged that while drivers are not children, they do represent their teams, sponsors, and millions of fans worldwide. “They are icons, champions, opinion formers, and they should think about the responsibility which comes with that privilege, especially with so many young fans watching,” he said. However, he also noted that gratuitous swearing outside the heat of the moment is unnecessary, suggesting a balance between authenticity and professionalism.
For Verstappen, the fallout has been frustrating. Following his P2 finish in Singapore, the reigning champion has been notably terse in interviews, signaling his discontent with the whole saga. “These kind of things definitely decide my future as well. When you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with this kind of silly thing… It’s really tiring,” Verstappen lamented.
The tension between the FIA and Verstappen comes at a crucial point in the F1 season, with the championship battle heating up and every race counting in the lead-up to the Abu Dhabi finale. For many, including Verstappen, this swearing saga feels like an unnecessary sideshow that detracts from the real drama on track.
Brundle’s message to Verstappen is clear: don’t let the noise from the FIA distract from what really matters. As F1 heads into the final stretch of an electrifying season, the focus should be on the racing—not on language policing from an out-of-touch governing body.
