P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has said the FIA made a “big story” out of the incident in which it penalised Max Verstappen for swearing. Verstappen was given a one-day community service penalty by the sport’s governing body for swearing during a press-conference, in which he referred to his Red Bull car as “f•••ed”. […]
Max Verstappen was given a one-day community service penalty by the sport’s governing body for swearing during a press conference, where he referred to his Red Bull car as “f•••ed.” The FIA responded by assigning the reigning Formula 1 champion a punishment of completing “work of public interest,” leading to an impromptu press conference hosted by Verstappen at the Marina Bay Circuit. Haas team principal, Guenther Steiner, critiqued the FIA’s reaction, suggesting a more diplomatic approach through private conversations with drivers during their regular meetings to address inappropriate language, without resorting to fines or penalties. Steiner emphasized the need for drivers to be cautious with their language, sharing that he refrains from swearing in official media settings, saving such expressions for the intensity of racing moments. He highlighted the differences in swearing contextually, distinguishing between swearing as part of the competitive environment and directing obscenities at individuals in a confrontational manner.
