Helmut Marko has warned the FIA to ‘take Max Verstappen seriously’ after the Dutchman threatened that continued clampdowns on driver language could lead to an early retirement from the series.
Verstappen was left fuming at the Singapore Grand Prix last time out after the FIA punished him with community service for swearing during Thursday’s press conference.
This action sparked a protest from the 27-year-old after qualifying and later led him to confirm plans for an early retirement if drivers are placed under greater and greater restrictions by the sport’s governing body.
“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 fumed in Singapore. “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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & http://Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and http://Express.co.uk .
