SINGAPORE: Formula One points leader Max Verstappen was ordered to "accomplish some work of public interest" after uttering an inappropriate word on Thursday at the news conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
The punishment was handed down by the FIA – the governing body of Formula One – after stewards reviewed the audio tape and found the word he used to describe his car as offensive and in violation of FIA policies.
The public-interest work he must perform was not specified.
"The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language," the stewards wrote in their official ruling.
"While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure."
The stewards said Verstappen, who drives for Red Bull, apologised.
The Athletic reported that Verstappen, 26, said his car's setup at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend was "f***ed."
Verstappen, from the Netherlands, is enduring a frustrating stretch. He began the season with seven wins in nine events but hasn't stood atop the podium since June 23 in Spain.
Last season, he was dominant, winning 19 of 22 events. - REUTERS