What FIA will do after Max Verstappen's press conference protest at Singapore GP

Max Verstappen made a stand against the FIA in the post-qualifying press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, following his community service penalty for swearing in another media session

Max Verstappen need not fear retribution from the FIA over his extraordinary press conference protest.

The Red Bull racer refused to give proper answers to questions in the FIA media session after qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. Instead, he told reporters he would speak to them outside the room and gave short, one or two-word answers to all questions that came his way.

Verstappen was protesting his community service-style punishment handed to him for swearing in another press conference on Thursday. FIA rules meant the stewards had no choice but to give the penalty to the 26-year-old.

Verstappen's antics after qualifying risked incurring the wrath of the governing body again. Speaking on Sky Sports, pundit Nico Rosberg wondered aloud whether another punishment might be headed the Dutchman's way.

But the FIA has made it clear that there will be no further penalties for Verstappen in relation to the way he approached the press conference. Asked that very question, a spokesperson said: "No, he took part in the FIA Press Conference as required by the procedures."

Verstappen received some support over the issue from his fellow racers in the press conference. Lando Norris, who qualified on pole, joked that the Red Bull driver "deserved it", before laughing and giving his real answer: "I think it's pretty unfair. I don't agree with any of it."

And third-placed qualifier Lewis Hamilton had a particularly scathing view of the situation as he implored his old rival to snub the FIA punishment. He said: "I think it's a bit of a joke, to be honest. This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly won't be doing it, and I hope Max doesn't do it."

Outside the room, Verstappen lived up to his pledge to speak to journalists outside the official FIA session and, asked about the situation, replied: "It's just ridiculous, to get a penalty for that. When you insult someone, it's pretty clear, but I didn't aim it at anyone. It's not the right way to go forward in our sport."

The FIA has had some backing, though, including from Sky Sports pundit Anthony Davidson who felt swearing in a press conference is "unacceptable". He said: "There's one thing losing your cool in the cockpit travelling over 200 miles an hour.

"It's one thing losing your cool in the car and then being slack out of the car. And I think what we heard from Max and maybe a few others through the weekend... that's unacceptable."

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