FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem breaks silence on Max Verstappen’s community service amidst fallout
Mohammed Ben Sulayem applauded Max Verstappen and his efforts to engage with the young children while serving his community service penalty.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen recently had to serve out his community service penalty which he received during the Singapore GP weekend after cussing during a conference. The 2024 Championship winner was present in Rwanda, partaking in the grassroots development program to improve access and opportunities within Motorsport. Hence, FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented on the matter following the service from Verstappen.
Max Verstappen hadn’t commented much on the community service penalty as he was extremely disappointed with the matter. However, the Dutchman didn’t hesitate to serve the penalty alongside the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), engaging with young drivers. The FIA took to X to express their gratitude after the completion of the penalty.
Giving back to the community. Thank you, Max.
FIA said, via @fia/X
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, despite being irritated by the outrage over the whole penalty was proud of Verstappen’s efforts. The FIA CEO reckoned that every driver should contribute to such ventures and not as a penalty. Ben Sulayem further hinted at making such community service a mandatory exercise to acquire the super license for Formula 1.
Everyone should contribute. Perhaps in the future, community service doesn’t have to be a punishment but becomes a mandatory part of the super license for Formula 1 drivers.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, as reported by GPblog.com
Giving back to the community. Thank you, Max#FIA pic.twitter.com/2PLq8PkKs8
— FIA (@fia) December 14, 2024
Max Verstappen ‘fulfilled’ his promises
Verstappen decided to attend the community service without making a big fuss about the penalty and demanding it to be canceled. As a result, Ben Sulayem was pleased with this and reckoned that the Dutchman fulfilled his promise. The 27-year-old spent quality time with the hundreds of kids responsible for racing the karts in Rwanda.
We went there and he really fulfilled his promise. He [Verstappen] was there, he was with the young girls and boys who built the car and then there was also the girls who were in the [car for] first time for them, and karting. So there were about hundreds of them.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted
The 2024 season peaked in excitement and competition despite the Dutchman lifting the championship trophy. The sport is highly likely to make the drivers commit to such ventures in the future in order to increase its popularity. However, the drivers will enjoy the winter break vacation ahead of the commencement of the 2025 season.
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Aditya Pandya
(1524 Articles Published)