Max Verstappen claims he never had a ‘bad relationship’ with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem amidst swearing ban fiasco
Max Verstappen has clarified that he has never had a bad relationship with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
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Max Verstappen and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (images via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen continued his pattern of one-word responses after finishing second at the Singapore GP. He criticized the FIA’s decision to fine him for swearing at a press conference, calling it ridiculous. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had remarked that drivers are not rappers to swear excessively. The Dutchman implied that Sulayem was being childish for declaring such a ban on swearing and bluntly said that only a five-year-old would make such a remark.
Max Verstappen explained that he had no desire to give long answers after facing a penalty that left him feeling disrespected. His frustration highlighted that he might have had some past issues with Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
However, Verstappen stated that he never felt like he had a bad relationship with Sulayem. The Dutchman indicated that he wants to maintain his current response style in future interviews and won’t pretend to be nice.
For me personally, there is absolutely no desire to give long answers when you get treated like that.Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365
I never really felt like I had a bad relationship with him [Ben Sulayem].
Verstappen also mentioned his active involvement with junior stewards, including participating in an interview they scheduled. He saw this as a way to support and help others in the sport, emphasizing that he was easy to work with.
Even this year, I did voluntary work with junior stewards, giving a half-an-hour interview they set up. So I tried to help out, to give little favors or whatever. I'm not a difficult person who will say no.Max Verstappen added
Max Verstappen says he is willing to help but expects fair treatment from the FIA
Max Verstappen stated that he is the kind of person who readily agrees to help the stewards without hesitation. He has consistently offered his support to the FIA when requested. However, despite his willingness to assist, Verstappen felt disrespected over the recent swearing incident.
I am more like 'Okay, sure, if that's what you guys like, I like to help out', and then you get treated like that. That's just not how it works.Max Verstappen expressed
Certainly, Verstappen clarified that the situation was straightforward for him. He acknowledged the necessity of answering questions at the press conference but emphasized that how he answers is up to him. He chose to give one-word replies out of concern about potential penalties. However, the FIA assured him that he did not have to worry about facing further penalties for his responses.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)