Jos Verstappen has offered up some scathing comments about F1’s governing body.
Jos Verstappen has joined his son in criticising the FIA, describing the punishment of three-time world champion Max Verstappen in Singapore as ‘the most ridiculous thing’, while also claiming that the sport’s governing body is ‘not doing a very good job’.
Verstappen Jnr was slapped with a community service punishment at the most recent Grand Prix in Singapore after swearing during one of his answers in the Thursday press conference. This verdict sparked plenty of controversy with pundits, drivers and team principals alike all criticising the FIA.
F1’s reigning world champion did not take the punishment lying down. Verstappen Jnr staged a protest during the post-qualifying press conference, giving “no comment” or one-word answers to every question.
Now Verstappen Snr has weighed in on the drama. Speaking to Autosport at the East Belgian Rally, he said: “I think that is the most ridiculous thing, but we also see it in rally.” Jos later added: “I don’t think the FIA is doing a very good job. But I won’t say too much about this!”
The Dutchman’s comments about the FIA’s approach to rally will resonate with F1 fans. World Rally Championship star Sebastian Ogier was handed a suspended £25,000 (€30,000) fine after criticising officials last month. “We have been told by the top of the FIA to shut our mouths,” the driver protested.
As cited in the aftermath of the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen Jnr said the FIA will only hasten his retirement should it make drivers expunging of the English language a priority.
Yeah. I mean, such things for sure define my future as well being, that you can’t be yourself, or the kind of things one has to deal with, such kinds of silly things,” he said. “I think now, I’m at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time.
It’s really tiring, you know? Of course, it’s awesome to be winning and racing, but once you have done it all, having won championships and races then to go and have a good time too.
“Well of course, everyone is on the edge, everyone in this fight, even the ones at the end of the line. But if you have to deal with all these kind of silly things, for me, that is not a way of continuing in the sport, that’s for sure.”