After Max Verstappen, his Dutch opponent, defied Formula One’s regulators by declining to answer questions during the FIA’s press conference for Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has pushed Verstappen to disregard his community service order.
In the intense heat and humidity of the Marina Bay circuit, Lando Norris maintained his composure to position his McLaren in pole position. Verstappen, who he trails by 59 points, will join him on the front row, with Hamilton finishing third.
A remarkable news conference that included Norris, Verstappen, and Hamilton ensued, which the three-time world champion essentially skipped, just a day after he was censured by F1’s governing body for participating in the Thursday press conference.
In response to queries posed by the FIA moderator, Verstappen said very little.
When asked about the changes he had made to his vehicle, Verstappen said, “A lot.” When pressed for more details, he responded, “No, I might get an extra day (of community service) or get fined.”
Then someone asked him if he was comfortable with his race pace. “Perhaps,” he answered. Verstappen responded, “It is an unknown,” when asked how much of a step into the unknown Sunday’s 62-lap race would be.
Then he apologized to Tom Clarkson, the FIA moderator. “You are not the target of this,” he stated. “I hope not to aggravate you.”
In an effort to get a response from Verstappen, Clarkson questioned him over his strategy for the competition. “We’ll find out tomorrow,” the representative from Red Bull stated.
To the floor where print journalists are gathered. Verstappen said, “I would prefer if you would ask these questions outside of the room,” to his first interrogator.
Could his actions here result in additional punishment? “I have no comment,” was the reply. For what duration did he want to abstain from speaking at the FIA press conferences that were broadcast on television? “I’m responding,” he declared. Simply put, not much. I have an issue with my voice.
Meanwhile, Verstappen, 26, had attracted the unexpected support of his former opponent.
During Thursday’s live press conference, Verstappen was penalized for calling his Red Bull a “f*****.” Hamilton, 39, responded, “It’s a bit of a joke to be honest.”
This is the highest point in the sport. Errors occur. The community service is something I would never do, and I really hope Max doesn’t.
Verstappen kept his word and answered questions beyond the FIA’s scrutiny as the news conference came to an end.
The 26-year-old replied, “I prefer not to speak a lot and we can do the interviews somewhere else,” as he was trailed by a group of reporters across the Marina Bay paddock.
It’s a little strange that the FIA wants to establish a precedent and a larger example with me.
“I didn’t curse at anybody. I just mentioned my automobile once. The code contains it. They must adhere to the book. I wish not to place the stewards at fault. We had an excellent conversation. They comprehend everything, but they also find it challenging.
Not everything I said was terrible. If you point it at someone, I understand. Although emotions often run high, the penalty seemed absurd.
When asked if his fellow drivers are behind him, Verstappen said, “Yes.” More people than others speak up. But generally speaking, it’s quite obvious what everyone believes.
Apart from the off-track antics, Norris performed admirably in a one-lap battle for pole position following Carlos Sainz’s crash out of the third qualifying round.
With a margin of victory of 0.203 seconds, Norris secured his fifth pole of the season, making a total of six.
