FIA signs off on bad-boy Max
Posted on December 10, 2024 Tags: FIA
Punishment after “unacceptable language”
THE FIA HAS DETAILED the “work of public interest” Max Verstappen must undertake, after swearing in a press conference at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix back in September.
The 27-year-old Dutchman described his car as “f***ed” and incurred an FIA punishment for misconduct, which will see him take part in work in grassroots motorsport in Rwanda – ahead of the upcoming FIA Awards in Kigali.
The four-time World Champion is scheduled to be in Rwanda to officially collect his fourth World Championship trophy, and the FIA has confirmed he will take part in work with junior drivers with the Rwanda Automobile Club in an FIA Affordable Cross Car.
Official FIA statement
The FIA has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s “work of public interest” duty linked to the Stewards’ penalty for the use of unacceptable language during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix drivers’ press conference.
“While in Kigali he will undertake some work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC)” the statement read.
“The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car which was built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from blueprints provided by the FIA.
“Design blueprints for the Level 2 category Affordable Cross Car project have been delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs).”
Key statistics at F1 2024 season close
👉 F1 2024: Head-to-head race statistics between team-mates
👉 The updated Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings for F1 2024
Max wasn’t a happy chappy
Max Verstappen spoke out against the idea of being punished for swearing in an FIA press conference earlier this year, with the reigning four-time World Champion given shortened answers while in these official media sessions for a brief period.
The Red Bull ace has since relented in his stance, but will be undertaking this community work as he collects his official prize for winning the Drivers’ Championship for the fourth time in succession in 2024.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has also been punished for swearing in an FIA press conference this season, being handed a €10,000 fine (about $16,500) for doing so.
Max finished the season with a sixth place finish in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, collecting a 10-second penalty for a collision with Oscar Piastri on the first lap of the race.
McLaren bags major prize
McLaren took out the coveted 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship – and the huge financial reward at stake – after a near faultless driver by British driver Lando Norris.
Aussies Oscar Piastri – who has performed superbly for McLaren during 2024 – and first-timer Jack Doohan raced well in Abu Dhabi, around the tricky Marina Bay Circuit. While Kiwi Liam Lawson continues to show his promising style since replacing Daniel Ricciardo.
Read next: George Russell moment captured after last-lap pass from Lewis Hamilton
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