F1 steward lifts lid on Max Verstappen's reaction to being handed rare punishment

FIA steward and ex-Formula One driver Johnny Herbert explained that Max Verstappen was “really worked up” after being informed that he had to complete a community service order for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Shortly after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called for a clampdown on X-rated language over team radios and around the paddock, Verstappen described his Red Bull car as “f***ed”.

His punishment prompted a stand-off between the FIA and one of Formula One’s most recognisable figures, with Verstappen refusing to speak in depth at a post-race press conference as part of a protest.

And Herbert has since revealed the reasoning behind Verstappen’s penalty despite the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris siding with their colleague.

“The press conferences are beamed around the world,” Herbert told CasinoHawks. “There is more swearing than there ever has been. A press conference is not the place for it.

“Some journalists have said the sport is trying to make robots out of the drivers. That’s not the case. You are just asking them not to swear which I think is the right thing. Most drivers don’t swear.”

Herbert explained that while Verstappen has gone on to launch a series of frustrated responses against the FIA, he was respectful of the stewards’ process and understood why he was told to complete a form of community service, rather than being handed a financial penalty.

“We had a good open chat with Max for about 20 minutes, half an hour, in what was a difficult situation,” Herbert explained. “You could see in his face he was really worked up about it. But when he left, he appeared to be mollified about the process and why it’s there. He did not blame us as stewards.

“As stewards we have a range of tools to punish drivers. We are there to implement the rules and make a decision together. We could have fined him, but we felt it would be more beneficial to get him to do something socially responsible. It is up to Max and the FIA what that is.

“It all blew up afterwards because he went to the press conference and gave one-word answers then held his own impromptu press conference outside in the paddock.

“That showed Max’s rebellious streak. I love that side of him, it is what makes Max, Max, his honest and outspoken character, but there is a time and a place. Personally, I think there is too much swearing. I don’t want my five-year-old grandchild listening to that sort of language.”

It remains to be seen whether Verstappen will continue his crusade at the US Grand Prix, but Herbert wants all parties involved to be able to reach an amicable solution if the Dutchman swears again.

He added: “I hope that if Max swears in a press conference at the US Grand Prix, common sense prevails.

“There has to be an understanding that both sides need to work together. I know the FIA president is unhappy with foul language.”