Nico Rosberg fears for Max Verstappen as Dutchman protests against FIA
Nico Rosberg has expressed concerns for Max Verstappen after his press conference protest against the FIA.
Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has warned Max Verstappen he may have gone too far in his feud with the FIA, after restricting his answers in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Dutchman fielded questions from reporters on Saturday after qualifying, but the Red Bull star only uttered 57 words in response in total.
Instead of answering the seemingly innocuous questions, Verstappen used a series of blunt and short answers including “no comment” when quizzed by press conference host Tom Clarkson.
He later told Clarkson and the rest of the media that his ire was not directed towards against them and took questions from reporters after the press conference.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Verstappen’s protest came after he was handed ‘community service’ for swearing in Thursday’s Drivers’ press conference, as he will be required to “undertake some work of public interest,” which is yet to be determined.
The 26-year-old earning support from his fellow drivers Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. But Rosberg, the 2016 world champion, believes Verstappen’s apparent snub to the FIA’s rules could land him in a spot of bother.
“Max is really going for it now, not even speaking in the FIA press conference,” Rosberg told Sky Sports F1.
“You’re contractually obliged to answer the questions. It’s a fine line. He’s pushing the limits there.
“He is the world champion, so he’s the most important person in the paddock. It’ll be interesting to watch that play out.”
Rosberg’s comments come after Verstappen received the support of Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who spoke out against the penalty in the press conference – with the Mercedes driver urging Verstappen to ignore the penalty.
“I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. This is the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made,” Hamilton said. “I certainly wouldn’t be doing it [serving the punishment] and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”
Hamilton was particularly critical of Ben Sulayem’s comments, suggesting there was a “racial element” to the FIA president’s remarks.
He added: “I’m sure if you say there’s penalties for it, people will stop it.
“I don’t know whether that’s something that’s needed, but I definitely think there is a little bit too much of it.
“Saying that, ‘rappers’, is very stereotypical. And think about most rappers are black, so that really kind of points it towards and it says we’re not like them.
“So I think those are the wrong choice of words and there’s a racial element there, but I agree with the fact that I think [it needs] cleaning up a little bit.”
