F1 stars to convene world’s richest ‘trade union’ in support of Max Verstappen after community service punishment for swearing
Formula One’s stars will convene the world’s richest ‘trade union’ – the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) – to discuss the furore over Max Verstappen’s punishment for swearing in a press conference ahead of last Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.
The triple world champion used the f-word in a televised media call, a transgression that the stewards punished by ordering him to complete F1’s equivalent of community service.
Verstappen, who gave pointedly short answers in subsequent press conferences in protest at his treatment, has since won the support of fellow drivers, who believe the sanction is draconian, according to the feedback he has received on the GPDA WhatsApp group.
Even Lewis Hamilton, who has barely been heard swearing in his long career, urged Verstappen not to undertake his ‘public service’, the exact nature of which has yet to be determined.
And after seeing his championship lead over Lando Norris cut to 52 points on Sunday with six rounds remaining, 26-year-old Verstappen even indicated that this kind of rumpus might hasten his departure from grand-prix racing.
Max Verstappen has been told to accomplish work of public interest after defying FIA orders
Verstappen, 26, has won the support of his fellow drivers over swearing furore in Singapore
Long-standing rival Lewis Hamilton has urged Verstappen not to undertake his ‘public service’
Now the GPDA plan to meet in private to formulate a collective response to the situation. Chairman Alex Wurz said: ‘How many lifetime community services would (former Haas team principal) Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the f-word?
‘He was glorified for using the f-word.
‘Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then to change suddenly like this?
‘The choice of word is not my personal taste as a driver. But, as GPDA chairman, I have to say we will discuss it internally, reach a full consensus, and then consider whether and in what form we talk to the FIA and the president.’
It is Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, who teed up the controversy by declaring his intention to clamp down on swearing over team radios. ‘We have to different between motorsport and rap music,’ said the Emirati former rally champion last week.
Wurz, who drove for Benetton, McLaren and Williams in a 69-race F1 career, added: ‘Drivers have to be allowed to express themselves authentically to some extent.
The Dutch driver’s championship lead was cut to 52 points by Lando Norris on Sunday
‘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, the penalty is too severe.’
Formula One Group, the sport’s commercial rights holders, broadcast radio exchanges on a delay and with swear words bleeped out. A spokesman told Mail Sport they would continue with to operate in that way.
