Herbert: 'Don't want my grandchild listening' to Verstappen swearing
Red Bull Contentpool
F1 News
Max Verstappen was slapped with a community service penalty by the FIA in Singapore due to his use of language during an official press conference. Former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert was one of the stewards present that weekend. The Briton has since addressed the behaviour of the three-time world champion, explaining why the decision to punish him was made.
Verstappen disagreed with the punishment he received, and he certainly showed this over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. According to Herbert, who participated in 160 races in his career, the Dutchman's behaviour brought an awful lot of attention to the situation. “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,“ he said in discussion with CasinoHawks.
Herbert appreciated Verstappen's protest: "I love that side of him"
The Brit, however, appreciated Verstappen's actions, praising the Dutchman for the fiery side of his personality. "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,” the FIA steward explained.
The former Benetton, Sauber and Lotus driver has been acting as an FIA steward since 2023 and hopes that another issue regarding the swearing controversy doesn't arise. “I hope it doesn’t come down to that if Max swears in a press conference at the US Grand Prix and that common sense prevails."
FIA and drivers 'must work together' to avoid further issues:
Herbert believes that the FIA and F1 drivers must start working together. If this conclusion is to be breached, it will be much easier for drivers and the FIA to work in harmony. “There has to be an understanding that both sides need to work together. I know the FIA President is unhappy with foul language. There is an understanding among drivers that swearing at a press conference is not right. It is just something that built up from the President’s initial ‘rappers’ comment which some found offensive to then Max being dragged before the stewards in Singapore.” Herbert concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden.
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