Max Verstappen, Red Bull, FIA, 2024, Social, Photoshop — Photo: © IMAGO

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Verstappen issues shock verdict over major FIA punishment

Max Verstappen had to serve an unusual FIA penalty for swearing in 2024

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Wednesday 8 January 2025 18:55

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has issued an update over the controversial FIA penalty he had to serve last year.

The Red Bull star found himself in hot water during the 2024 season for his aggressive driving style, but it was one incident regarding X-rated language that proved to be the final straw for the sport's governing body.

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The Dutchman endured a trickier season on track than he has become accustomed to following Red Bull's domination of the sport, facing fierce competition from many rivals, with six other winners aside from Verstappen last year.

Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari all saw both of their drivers stand on the top step of the podium throughout the 2024 season, whereas Red Bull had to rely on Verstappen and his racing prowess to secure a spot in the top three in the constructors' championship.

Despite carrying his team for the majority of the season, Verstappen experienced a winless drought from June until November, often taking his frustrations out over team radio or during press conferences with the use of less favourable language.

Max Verstappen's swearing became a controversy with the FIA in 2024

Max Verstappen served his FIA penalty by giving back to the community in Rwanda

Verstappen issues update over FIA punishment

The 27-year-old may have aimed his anger at rivals and team members alike in 2024, most notably launching a sweary tirade at race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, but the FIA chose to take action over Verstappen's use of swearing during a press conference at the Singapore GP.

Following the media session where Verstappen described his Red Bull machinery as 'f****d', F1's governing body handed him 'community service', which eventually saw the champion head to Kigali to carry out his punishment, working with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).

Now, discussing his outlook on the visit in an interview with Blick, Verstappen has declared how he benefitted from the event.

"I spoke to the president and we agreed that I would be involved in a special children's project at the FIA celebrations in Rwanda.

"That was a lot of fun, by the way. It was finally a sensible solution."

Red Bull Max Verstappen Mercedes FIA Hamilton Singapore GP