Max Verstappen’s performance at the press conference after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix was one of those moments that will perhaps shape the season.

The Formula 1 world champion answered media questions in one or two words after qualifying second for the race at the Marina Bay Circuit.

It quickly became clear that this was a protest against the punishment imposed by the FIA ​​for taking his oath at a press conference on Thursday.

When journalists learned about this, they asked how long he would maintain this attitude of not giving full answers, and at one point he asked the media present in the room to ask him to leave.

He held court in the paddock and answered questions, which he answered fully and honestly – after leaving the press conference organised and, crucially, filmed by the FIA.

For many, it would be easy to dismiss it as petulant behavior. He threw his toys out of the stroller because he was sentenced to community service after saying on live television that his “car was fucked.”

Watch: Verstappen hosts his own press conference in protest against FIA – F1 Singapore GP Updates

They could also point out that his recent behaviour was contrary to that of a world champion, as he was now setting an even worse example for his young fans.

However, one must argue that this Exactly the performance, how a world champion should behave. In fact, it goes beyond Formula 1 and is relevant to all sports stars.

Earlier this week I explained that swearing should not be penalized and that raw emotion is a key reason why we love the sport so much.

This was another example of that feeling. Verstappen feels hurt and shows it – there’s nothing wrong with that.

It was also smart and not childish. Crucially, Verstappen realised that the source of his frustration was the FIA, and so he would not It is Press conference.

By answering the questions he has fulfilled the minimum requirements, but in brief answers so as not to trigger further punishment.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Ben Hunt

The fact that he held his own impromptu press conference in the paddock afterwards shows that he has the presence of mind to know that the blame did not lie with the media, as is often claimed.

It suggests that a driver who has been accused of being too aggressive or too brash throughout his career is now growing up. It was the perfect, controlled response to a ridiculous penalty from the FIA.

This came in a season in which he was at the centre of a tug-of-war between his father Jos Verstappen and Red Bull boss Christian Horner, with the former hurling grenades at the latter following an internal investigation.

He saw his lead in the championship sealed as McLaren now has the faster car, while his own team struggled with form and victories failed to come.

Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff talked almost non-stop about Verstappen in an attempt to win him over to his team. His fascination with the Dutchman had become dizzying – and a little more bizarre.

This latest obstacle in the form of the FIA ​​penalty could have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, but Verstappen didn’t. He played smart and I think he still has his integrity, which suggests he is maturing.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Erik Junius

The Verstappen we see today is not the same as in 2021, when he won his first title in controversial circumstances, or in 2022 or 2023, when he remained largely unchallenged, albeit still with some irritation.

This is now a different Verstappen, behaving in the same way as some of the great F1 champions before him. And at the risk of angering the FIA, if he does indeed win the championship this year, then he damn well deserves it.