Max Verstappen’s protest against the FIA hasMax Verstappen protest spreads as fellow World Champion targets FIA after €50,000 fine drawn widespread attention following a €50,000 fine for swearing during a press conference. In response, Verstappen kept his answers to the media minimal during subsequent press engagements, which was seen as a symbolic protest against the FIA’s crackdown on driver behavior. This stance was supported by fellow World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who criticized the penalty, calling it “a bit of a joke.” Hamilton also took issue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s remarks, which he suggested had racial overtones when differentiating F1 from “rap music.”
Verstappen’s actions have resonated beyond Formula 1, with WRC (World Rally Championship) drivers like Sébastien Ogier also expressing frustration with the FIA. Ogier, who received a €50,000 fine for criticizing race conditions, followed Verstappen’s lead by keeping his responses brief during media interactions, further highlighting the tension between drivers and the governing body. Both Verstappen and Ogier’s protests have sparked debate about the limitations on driver expression in motorsports【10†source】【11†source】【12†source】.
Max Verstappen’s protest against the FIA has drawn widespread attention following a €50,000 fine for swearing during a press conference. In response, Verstappen kept his answers to the media minimal during subsequent press engagements, which was seen as a symbolic protest against the FIA’s crackdown on driver behavior. This stance was supported by fellow World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who criticized the penalty, calling it “a bit of a joke.” Hamilton also took issue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s remarks, which he suggested had racial overtones when differentiating F1 from “rap music.”
Verstappen’s actions have resonated beyond Formula 1, with WRC (World Rally Championship) drivers like Sébastien Ogier also expressing frustration with the FIA. Ogier, who received a €30,000 fine for criticizing race conditions,Max Verstappen protest spreads as fellow World Champion targets FIA after €50,000 fine followed Verstappen’s lead by keeping his responses brief during media interactions, further highlighting the tension between drivers and the governing body. Both Verstappen and Ogier’s protests have sparked debate about the limitations on driver expression in motorsports【10†source】【11†source】【12†source】.
