SINGAPORE: In a surprising turn of events, Formula One stewards have mandated Red Bull's reigning triple world champion, Max Verstappen, to undertake "work of public interest" following his use of offensive language during a recent press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

The controversy unfolded during a Thursday press event organized by the FIA, where the moderator had to remind Verstappen about his choice of words. On Friday, stewards summoned the driver over allegations of violating the international sporting code. In a follow-up statement, they revealed that Verstappen acknowledged his error and clarified that the term he used was somewhat commonplace in his understanding, attributing this to his non-native English background.

While the stewards recognized his perspective, they stressed the importance of role models being conscientious about their language, especially in public settings. "While it may be true that some casual language slips through the cracks, it is crucial for individuals in high-profile roles to be aware of their words," they stated. Notably, they remarked that substantial fines have been imposed in the past for derogatory language aimed at specific groups, although this incident did not fall under that category.

As part of the imposed penalty, the details for Verstappen's community service will be coordinated with the FIA's secretary general for sport and scheduled for a later date. This incident coincides with ongoing discussions led by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who recently urged drivers to maintain decorum and refrained from excessive swearing. Ben Sulayem highlighted the similarity between F1 drivers and rappers in terms of their language, illustrating his point by stating, "They say the F-word how many times per minute?"

Verstappen responded to these comments by suggesting that swearing is a common behavior, regardless of audience or age. His stance was clear: "Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, they will eventually encounter swearing in their lives."

The FIA has been proactive in addressing the use of inappropriate language, having previously reprimanded other drivers, including Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, for similar infractions. This ongoing effort underscores a broader aim to promote professionalism and positive role models within the sport. As Verstappen gears up for the next race, the focus may shift to how he and his peers adapt to the expectations set for public conduct in the ever-watchful world of Formula One.

Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold, and we see how the reigning champion channels this experience into constructive public engagement!