Singapore, 22 September 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Max Verstappen took on Formula One’s rulemakers by refusing to answer questions in the FIA’s press conference following qualifying for Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Lando Norris kept his cool on Saturday in the heat and humidity of the Marina Bay circuit to put his McLaren on pole position. He will be joined on the front row by standings leader Verstappen, whom he trails by 59 points, with Hamilton third.

An extraordinary press conference, featuring Norris, Verstappen and Hamilton, then followed, which the triple world champion effectively boycotted, 24 hours after he was sanctioned with community service by F1’s governing body for swearing in Thursday’s media session.

Verstappen provided only a handful of words in response to questions from the FIA moderator.

Asked what he had changed on his car, Verstappen replied: “A lot.” Urged to elaborate, he said: “No, I might get fined or get an extra day (of community service).”

He was then asked if he was confident with his race pace. “Maybe,” he replied. And when it was put to him how much of a step into the unknown Sunday’s 62-lap race would be, Verstappen said: “It is an unknown.”

He then apologized to the FIA moderator, Tom Clarkson. “This is not aimed at you,” he said. “I don’t want to upset you.”

In a final attempt at generating an answer from Verstappen, Clarkson asked him about his tactics for the race. “We will find out tomorrow,” said the Red Bull man.

The floor of assembled print journalists then took over. Responding to his first inquisitor, Verstappen said: “I would prefer if you would ask these questions outside of the room.”

Could his behaviour here trigger another penalty? “No comment,” came the response. How long did he plan not to speak in the televised FIA press conferences? “I am answering,” he said. “Just not a lot. I’ve got a problem with my voice.”

In the interim, Verstappen, 26, had drawn an unlikely ally in his one-time rival Hamilton after the FIA launched a campaign against drivers swearing on the radio or in official press conferences.

“It’s a bit of a joke to be honest,” said Hamilton, 39, when quizzed about Verstappen’s penalty for swearing on Thursday.

“This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it (the community service) and I hope Max doesn’t do it.”

The press conference drew to a close with Verstappen remaining true to his word by answering questions away from the FIA’s glare.

“I prefer not to speak a lot and we can do the interviews somewhere else,” said the 26-year-old as he was followed by a gaggle of journalists through the Marina Bay paddock.

“They (the FIA) want to set a precedent and they wanted to set an ever bigger example with me, which is a bit weird.

“I didn’t swear at anyone. I just said one thing about my car. It is in the code. They have to follow the book. I don’t want to blame the stewards. I had a really good chat with them. They are quite understanding but it is difficult for them, too.

“What I said wasn’t that bad. I get it if you aim it at someone. Emotions can run high but the punishment was ridiculous.”

Asked if he has the support from his fellow drivers, Verstappen replied: “Yes. Some speak out more than others. But in general it is quite clear what everyone thinks.”

Photo: EPA