Max Verstappen isn’t holding back about the FIA’s tough new rules on driver language – calling the whole thing “unnecessary” and suggesting F1’s governing body has bigger fish to fry.
The three-time world champion thinks they should be focusing on real issues like safety instead of policing what drivers say in the heat of the moment.
The FIA recently unveiled strict new conduct guidelines that could hit drivers with massive fines, one-month race bans, or even championship point deductions for using inappropriate language.
“Yes, it’s a lot of money,” Verstappen said at the F1 75 Live event. “I think you need to use a bit of common sense.”
He’s particularly worried about how harsh the penalties are. A driver could miss two race weekends just for casual language slip-ups over a two-year period.
That kind of punishment could actually decide who wins the championship.
“That’s why I think it’s just a bit much,” the Red Bull star explained.
What really bugs Verstappen is how the FIA seems to be missing the bigger picture.
“I prefer that we actually focus on other topics, to try and improve safety, to try and improve the overall performance of Formula 1 cars, instead of actually having to focus on all these kinds of things.”
Interestingly, Verstappen hasn’t spoken directly with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who’s behind these new rules. When asked about potential talks with the president, Max kept it simple: “I always share my opinion.”
The Dutch champion isn’t known for mincing words, and he made his position crystal clear: “It’s just a bit much. It’s not necessary to put it like that, fully written down.”
