Max Verstappen gave only brief answers during the press conference after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix in protest against the penalty he received for swearing during practice on Thursday.

Verstappen was told to work “in the public interest” after he sworn about his car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, sparking an FIA crackdown on the use of expletives.

The Dutchman qualified second for Sunday’s race and although he gave comprehensive answers in the subsequent one-sided interviews with former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, Verstappen opted for a more laconic approach in the official session, giving monosyllabic answers to presenter Tom Clarkson.

He said he would hold a session for the media outside the official FIA press conference, but chose not to answer questions in the room – jokingly noting that it was “something with my voice”.

In the subsequent press conference, Verstappen spoke in detail about his approach.

“I find it ridiculous, of course, what is happening. So why should I give comprehensive answers? Because I might… it’s very easy, apparently you get a fine or some kind of punishment.

“I prefer not to speak much, to save my voice and I think we can do the interviews somewhere else if you need answers to the questions asked.

Verstappen said the FIA ​​wanted to set a new precedent for swearing in official media sessions and had been tough on him so that officials could put an end to the practice.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Ben Hunt

He said he did not have a problem with the stewards themselves when it came to applying tougher sanctions, but with the new rules themselves.

“They wanted to set a precedent and people got warnings or a small fine. Now, in my case, I guess they wanted to set an even bigger example.”

“Which is a bit strange for me, of course. Because I didn’t insult anyone in particular, I just said one thing about my car. But it’s in the code, so they have to stick to it.

“I don’t want to put the blame on the stewards because I actually had a really good conversation with them. They just have to stick to the code and stick to the book. I think they’re pretty understanding but it’s difficult for them too.”

“I think what I said wasn’t that bad. And of course I understand that if you target someone with that, I think it’s bad. Of course emotions can run high, but that’s still not okay. I understand that, but I found it pretty ridiculous what was thrown at me.”

He had the support of his fellow drivers at the press conference – Lando Norris joked that Verstappen “deserved it” before declaring: “I think it’s quite unfair, I don’t agree with any of it.”

Lewis Hamilton added that it was “a bit of a joke” and advised Verstappen not to go through with the charity work – saying, “I certainly wouldn’t do it.”