Defending Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has weighed in on the FIA’s controversial new penalty system, which will fine drivers for swearing on team radio and in media interviews starting in the 2025 season.
The Red Bull driver previously joked that he could simply swear in Limburgish—his native dialect—to avoid detection by race stewards.
Speaking at a virtual press conference in Zandvoort, Verstappen expanded on his plan while also offering some advice to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Verstappen: swearing in Limburgish is an option
Verstappen admitted that swearing in Limburgish was second nature to him growing up. “I used to do that often enough in karting, of course,” he said, according to GPblog.com.
The FIA’s crackdown on driver conduct has been met with scepticism from both the paddock and fans, particularly as it comes amid broader concerns about the governing body’s transparency and decision-making.
Many are questioning where the fines collected from these penalties will go, as the FIA has yet to clarify how the money will be used.
Additionally, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) recently penned an open letter to the FIA, calling for greater consistency in stewarding decisions and raising concerns about the organisation’s priorities.
With controversial rulings on track limits, inconsistent enforcement of penalties, and a clampdown on driver language, the FIA faces mounting criticism from within the sport.
Advice to FIA President Ben Sulayem
While Ben Sulayem has championed stricter regulations on driver behaviour, he has also suggested changes that have been more positively received—such as the possible return of V10 engines, which many fans and drivers would love to see back in the sport.
“Of course, I think it’s a very nice idea,” Verstappen said of the V10 proposal. “Only whether it is possible is of course a completely different story. So I always think it’s better to just not shout out so many things (to the public). It’s better to try to solve things behind the scenes. That’s for better for everyone,” he concluded.
With the FIA’s leadership under increasing scrutiny, Verstappen’s words may resonate with many in the paddock. As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the balance between maintaining discipline and allowing drivers to express themselves remains a hot topic—one that is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon.
Image Credit: Red Bull Racing Content Pool
