Max Verstappen acknowledges F1 has always required political correctness, but argues recent changes to expectations is making off-track duties “less enjoyable” for him.
Verstappen: ‘Politically correct’ F1 becoming ‘less enjoyable’
Max Verstappen has said that some of the steps taken by the FIA to curb bad language makes life in F1 “less enjoyable.”
The Dutchman found himself at the centre of a media storm in September when he used the F-word in an official FIA press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
His use of the swear word came less than a day after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had voiced his concern about the amount of foul language broadcast in F1.
Verstappen was punished by the FIA stewards in Marina Bay for his indiscretion, with the 27-year-old sentenced to what is akin to community service.
In response, the three-time F1 drivers’ champion restricted his responses in press conferences over the remainder of the weekend, instead opting to hold impromptu media scrums outside in the F1 paddock.
The whole episode brought driver conduct, including language, into sharp focus. Less than a month later, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc escaped with a fine after swearing in the post-Mexico City Grand Prix press conference. However, his immediate apology was central to his lighter punishment.
The steps taken by the FIA has evidently had an impact on the drivers, with Verstappen suggesting the restrictive approach negatively affects his off-track work.
“You always have to be politically correct,” the 62-time grand prix winner told media including RacingNews365.
“That’s always been the case, but I think with some of the things that have come in lately, it makes it a little bit less enjoyable.”
