Max Verstappen threatens to leave FIA after recent sanctions

Max Verstappen has threatened to leave the FIA after the recent controversy he was involved in. The reigning world champion was sanctioned for swearing, and asked to “accomplish some work of public interest” after using the word “f***ed” in a press conference following the Singapore Grand Prix.

The FIA is keen on removing swearing altogether from broadcasts. And in the fallout of the sanctions, the Dutchman has stated that he may not stay with Formula 1 for long if this continues to be the case.

Max Verstappen speaks out on recent sanction after swearing in a press conference

Lewis about Max getting the community service for swearing:

"I think it's a bit of a joke to be honest, this is the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made.. I certainely wouldn't be doing it [the community service] and I hope Max doesn't do it."pic.twitter.com/Pu6P8IG44X

— Verstappen News (@verstappenews) September 21, 2024

“There is absolutely no desire to give long answers there when they treat you like that. I’ve never felt I had a bad relationship with them. Even this year, I did volunteer work with junior stewards. I did a half-hour interview with them with everything set up, so I tried to help as well,” he explained. “You have little favors or whatever, and then they treat you like that? That’s not how it works,” he added.

“Now, it’s very simple. I know I have to respond, but it doesn’t say for how long you have to respond,” he asserted. “Of course, that you can’t insult people, that’s pretty simple. I don’t think anyone wants to do that. But it’s really all too soft. And honestly, it’s silly. It’s super silly what we’re dealing with,” he commented.

“I mean this kind of stuff definitely decides my future as well. You can’t be yourself or you have to deal with this kind of nonsense. I think I’m at the stage in my career now where you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really exhausting. Of course it’s great to be successful and win races, but once you’ve achieved all that, winning championships and races, then you also want to have a good time,” he acknowledged.

The Red Bull driver has stated that he is already halfway past his career, and will not be racing with F1 for very long. One of the reasons behind it could be his desire to pursue other motorsports ventures such as Le Mans.

Or, it could simply be that he has achieved all there is to achieve as an F1 driver, winning the world championship several times now. Only time will tell how Verstappen’s career pans out, and especially if he can retain his title with Lando Norris threatening a world title challenge, being only 52 points behind.