Max Verstappen was penalized. © APA/afp / FREDERIC J. BROWN

Because of swearing: Strange punishment for Max Verstappen

Formula 1 world champion Verstappen dropped the often-used but not-so-popular F-word at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. The race stewards have now retroactively punished him for this.

11 December 2024

From: sn

The reigning world champion is famous for his series of victories in Formula 1 and notorious for his not always masterful choice of words. This fact regularly gets him into trouble with the International Automobile Federation. This time was no different: when he spoke in Singapore about the behavior of his Red Bull car, he used the English word "fuck". Verstappen will have to work off the punishment for his inappropriate choice of words during his stay in Rwanda.

The big gala with all the awards for winning the title again will take place there on Friday. The International Automobile Federation announced this late Sunday evening after the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi. The FIA ​​also announced: "During his stay in Kigali, he will work with young drivers as part of the program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club to promote grassroots work." The umbrella organization said the work was of public interest, but did not disclose any details.

disputes and unusual punishments

It is not the first time that the four-time world champion has been sentenced to such a task. Six years ago, he was sentenced to spend two days as an observer with the stewards at the Formula E race in Marrakesh. The reason was physical violence against the Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

Most recently, Verstappen clashed with his colleague George Russell in Abu Dhabi. The two had a verbal exchange in the paddock at the Yas Marina Circuit. As we also reported, the argument between the two finally escalated at the drivers' traditional end-of-season dinner, and to such an extent that the team bosses are now involved.