P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sebastien Ogier has followed the example set by Max Verstappen in Singapore with his answers to media.
Eight-time World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier has expressed that he and other drivers were instructed by the top of the FIA to refrain from speaking out in a media session following Max Verstappen’s protest in Singapore.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem aims to minimize the swearing in radio transmissions broadcast by FOM, a plan publicly announced before the Singapore Grand Prix.
During a press conference, Verstappen used profanity to describe his car’s condition, resulting in him being reprimanded by the stewards for potentially violating the International Sporting Code.
Lewis Hamilton criticized the community service penalty given to Verstappen, prompting the latter to boycott detailed questions in a subsequent conference and hold impromptu media scrums instead.
Verstappen hinted at the possibility of hastening his retirement from F1 due to the situation, paralleling Ogier’s terse responses at Rally Chile following a suspended €30,000 fine for comments made at Rally Greece.
Ogier highlighted the restriction on speaking out, mentioning it is not only affecting the rally scene but also anticipates what the future holds regarding the issue.
Alongside 2019 champion Ott Tanak, Ogier is currently in third place in the standings for the part-time season, with leader Thierry Neuville vying for his first WRC title, with Rally Chile, Central European Rally, and Rally Japan remaining to conclude the season.
