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.
Speaking after the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen Jnr stated that if the FIA continues to clamp down on drivers’ use of language then it will accelerate his retirement decision.
“Yeah. I mean, these kinds of things definitely decide my future as well, when you can’t be yourself, or you have to deal with these kinds of silly things,” he stated. “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 great to have success and win races, but once you have accomplished all that, winning championships and races, and then you want to just have a good time as well.
“Of course, everyone is pushing to the limit, everyone in this battle, even at the back of the grid. 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.”
