The Formula 1 drivers' union, known as the GPDA, is showing full support for Max Verstappen following the 'F-word' controversy in Singapore.
Just after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced he was cracking down on bad language, Verstappen quickly tested the waters by describing his Red Bull car as "f**ked" during the FIA press conference on Thursday.
As a result, Verstappen was handed a day of unspecified community service.
"How many lifelong community service sentences should Gunther Steiner have received for saying the F-word, then," GPDA president Alex Wurz joked to formel1.de.
"He was idolised for it and Netflix broadcast it worldwide without any problem."
Verstappen, a three-time world champion, reacted with anger to the penalty and staged a protest by keeping quiet during the remaining FIA press conferences throughout the weekend. He even hinted that the situation could bring forward his plans to retire.
Rene de Boer, a well-known PR consultant in motorsport, believes the FIA's crackdown is part of a broader strategy. "The FIA is suffering from a need to reprofile itself," he said.
"They are getting involved in more and more things, but this has actually been going on for a while."
Verstappen also took issue with the massive fine handed to Carlos Sainz during the Singapore GP weekend for crossing the track after a crash in qualifying.
"I mean, what are we talking about?" said Verstappen.
"It's a red flag, the cars were all coming in. I think it's quite safe and he knows what he's doing. We're not stupid. My God, all these kinds of things are just super stupid."
At 26, Verstappen is standing firm on his position. "I just want to make sure that it doesn't continue to be like this," he confirmed.
According to de Boer, banning swearing is a particularly big issue for the drivers. "These are grown men and professional athletes," he told NOS. "Of course they are role models, but let them take that responsibility themselves. They don't need to be reprimanded for every little thing."
Even Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen's 2021 title rival, sided with him on the issue, encouraging him to ignore the penalty.
"Well, he's not the one being punished," Verstappen laughed. "But right now I'm actually not thinking about the punishment at all.
"I shouldn't waste my energy on it because it's really ridiculous."
Meanwhile, George Russell suspects that Verstappen may race again in 2025 but potentially sit out 2026 for strategic and performance-related reasons.
"Max could take a year off in 2026 and see what the best team is," said the Mercedes driver. "I wouldn't be surprised if he did that."
GPDA president Wurz also stated that finding a resolution with the FIA over swearing penalties like Verstappen's would be a key focus moving forward.
"Drivers need to be able to express themselves authentically to a certain extent," he said.
"Of course it shouldn't be insulting or discriminatory, but personally I think this punishment for Max goes too far. Normally we discuss these matters internally and I also hope that behind closed doors we can resolve this issue with the FIA," said Wurz.
