“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest” : Lewis Hamilton offers support to Max Verstappen amidst FIA row
During the drivers conference at the Singapore GP last week, three-time world champion Max Verstappen was caught swearing while talking about the changes to his car, which led to him receiving a penalty by the FIA.
The FIA believes that the Dutchman breached the International Sporting Code as these words cannot be said on live broadcast. Subsequently on Friday, Verstappen was called upon by the stewards where he explained that he believed the word was ‘ordinary’, in his native language at least.
“While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure. The Stewards note that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. But, as this topic has been raised before, the Stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously,” in a statement released by the FIA.
Max Verstappen is now obliged to work for public interest as a penalty. Following qualification, the 26-year-old also refused to elaborately answer the questions he was asked in Saturday’s FIA press conference, stating that he would ‘get a fine’ again.
Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris get in support of the Dutchman
The 26-year-old finished second in qualifying, sandwiched between his rival Lando Norris and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. When asked about Verstappen’s punishment, the British duo cited out their thoughts which were in support of the Dutchman.
“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest,” stated the seven-time world champion. This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t do it,” said the 39-year-old, who wants Verstappen to boycott the penalty (via RacingNews365).
“I think it’s pretty unfair, I don’t agree with any of it,” said Norris.
The community service will be coordinated by the FIA’s secretary general, with a date yet to be decided.
As for the Singapore Grand Prix, the Dutchman finished at second, just behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. Max Verstappen is still the favorite to win this year’s world championship, as he is 52 points clear of the Briton in the rankings.
