Max Verstappen is given details of the "work of public interest" he must carry out after swearing during the FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Next week, the world champion will travel to the FIA Awards Ceremony which takes place as part of the General Assemblies in Kigali, Rwanda to collect his fourth consecutive title trophy.

While in Kigali, according to the FIA, he will undertake work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development programme organised by Motorsport Rwanda.

The activity will involve an FIA Affordable Cross Car which was built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from blueprints provided by the FIA.

Design blueprints for the Level 2 category Affordable Cross Car project have been delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs).

Reports that Verstappen said "what the f***!" when told of the punishment have not been verified, though based on events in the UK over the last year or so, he could well have a crowd of human rights lawyers at the airport seeking to ensure his flight isn't allowed to depart.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Pavlo, 11/12/2024 15:14

"@ Ricardo_sanchez - that’s what I am curious to know - do the drivers really sign for „any disciplinary measure“, which would be illegal in lots of countries? Do they have any written regulation about the F-words on the press conferences?
Or in general, do drivers sign any agreement with the FIA directly, or it’s just with national clubs?
Obviously FIA can order whatever, assuming drivers accept it voluntarily. But what if drivers refuse? I’m not even sure they can penalise anyone for not serving illegal penalty. Or can Max later (when he is not afraid for his licence) sue FIA for his „payment“ for 2 days of work?"

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2. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 10/12/2024 18:00

"@pavlo - the drivers do have a contractual relationship with the FIA. They are granted their licenses having agreed to abide by its rules and accepting its authority. Non-compliance with FIA penalties might lead to suspension, revocation of their licence, or other disciplinary measures. "

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3. Posted by kenji, 10/12/2024 12:50

"@ Pavlo...you raise an interesting viewpoint. I presume that the drivers contract with the team would have certain terms and conditions of employment which are standard but I doubt there would be any specific terms re language. The drivers participate in racing under an FIA license and it is this instrument I should think that enables them to levy penalties as decided,with community service being one option. It's all rather stupid and childish anyway....."

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4. Posted by Pavlo, 10/12/2024 10:25

"I am curious to know what is the legal basis for this.
Clearly FIA can impose any points, time, grid position penalties - it's a part of the sport. They can allow or disallow individuals in certain areas or location in their event - clear. They can apply financial fines to the teams, as a legal bodies participating in a sport.
But even a fine to a driver is questionable. Do they really have contract with the FIA that allows for monetary and "service" fines? How is it regulated?
Even my country even a court can't order a "community service". It can be arranged on explicit request of a convicted, but no one is allowed to force people to work. How come FIA has more power over someone's free time than local authorities?
And what would happen if Max says he doesn't want to stay in Rwanda for 2 more days, or doesn't like this specific project? Is there anything legally binding for him?"

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5. Posted by BillH, 09/12/2024 18:08

"Why don't the FIA just have "community service" served as being a flag marshal for a day at a youth Karting event or local club event somewhere?

Not to say that marshalling is a punishment for those that do volunteer, however having a multi world champion show up for a day would highlight the importance of these folks to the sport.

I must say that I had no idea Rwanda has such a vibrant motorsport scene and I'm fully expecting, as per the motorsport tradition of Azerbaijan, to see a grand prix hosted there in the near future."

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6. Posted by meatball, 09/12/2024 17:51

"what a farce."

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7. Posted by Superbird70, 09/12/2024 14:46

"I hope they give him a fluorescent vest with FIA written across the back, just to teach him a lesson. Naughty boy."

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8. Posted by Hobgoblin, 09/12/2024 12:07

"@wokingchap - perhaps sweeping the track and clearing up the debris from the accidents he is deemed to have caused?"

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9. Posted by Wokingchap, 09/12/2024 11:17

"Doesn't look like much of a penalty to me, more of a guest appearance/joyride. I would've thought sweeping the track or cleaning the kitchens was more appropriate. "

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10. Posted by Italian Job, 09/12/2024 10:48

"I’ve stopped watching GPs on the TV so don’t have that good a feel for how many time penalties drivers earn or $$$ penalties that the teams earn.
Reading that Verstappen’s penalty is to be carried out in Rwanda at the same time that he’s on the FIA jolly makes me think:
Why not alter the driver penalties slightly?
As well as time/drive through penalties for driver errors/behaviour, why not also require the driver to serve a “good works” penalty, in the country where he earned it, but at least one month after the penalty was earned?
I’m thinking that between traveling to wherever the day before, all day at the location and travelling back the next day there will be sufficient time lost from a driver’s schedule to concentrate the mind. Also, these should be genuinely stand-alone – no bolt-on promotional work, just penalty, and the driver to personally bear all the associated costs, hangers on included!
"

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Verstappen notified of 'community' service' details

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