Johnny Herbert explains why he gave Max Verstappen a harsher penalty for using inappropriate language as an FIA steward

Max Verstappen (foreground), Johnny Herbert (circle). Credit: Getty Images
Max Verstappen (foreground), Johnny Herbert (circle). Credit: Getty Images

Johnny Herbert shared the reasons behind Max Verstappen's FIA penalty during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. The F1 governing body slapped the Red Bull driver with community service for using expletives during the Marina Bay Circuit race.

Verstappen's stance against the FIA grabbed the headlines after the driver declined to heed the FIA's guidelines during race weekends. The situation intensified when the Dutchman used expletives during the press conference, which ultimately led the FIA to take strict action.

The FIA summoned the Red Bull driver and asked him to explain his behavior. Following this, the F1 governing body warned Verstappen and penalized him with a day's community service. The punishment gathered huge criticism from drivers. However, Herbert explained his stance.

"As stewards, we have a range of tools to punish drivers. We are there to implement the rules and make a decision together," Herbert, who was one of the stewards, said in a recent media interaction (via Mirror).

The former F1 driver then said that while they could have punished him monetarily, they chose to go with a 'harsher' penalty. Herbert said:

"We could have fined him, but we felt it would be more beneficial to get him to do something socially responsible. It is up to Max and the FIA what that is."

Max Verstappen declined to comment on the penalty. After the conclusion of Saturday's qualifying, he declined to comment about how his qualifying session went as well.

When asked the reason behind it, the three-time world champion stated that he "might get fined" if he talked out of line. However, he clarified that his grudge wasn't pointed towards the journalists but towards the FIA.


Johnny Herbert hailed Max Verstappen for his "outspoken character"

Max Verstappen surrounded by a gaggle of journalists at the Singapore GP (Source: Getty Images)
Max Verstappen surrounded by a gaggle of journalists at the Singapore GP (Source: Getty Images)

While Johnny Herbert was one of the stewards who punished Max Verstappen with community service, he also praised the Red Bull driver for his "outspoken character". Emphasizing the defending champion's post-qualifying behavior in the press conference and then on the paddock, the Briton said (via Mirror):

"It all blew up afterwards because he went to the press conference and gave one word answers then held his own impromptu press conference outside in the paddock. That showed Max's rebellious streak. I love that side of him, it is what makes Max, Max, his honest and outspoken character."
"But there is a time and a place. Personally, I think there is too much swearing. I don't want my five-year-old grandchild listening to that sort of language," he added.

While Verstappen was seemingly evading questions with curt replies, the Dutchman informed journalists that he would answer all their questions if they met him outside. As soon as he was done with the press conference, a gag of journalists flocked around him at the paddock and asked him questions.

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Edited by Prathik BR
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