Max Verstappen avoids penalties for team radio comments against F1 Abu Dhabi GP stewards. The FIA will not investigate or penalize Max Verstappen for his fiery team radio outburst in Abu Dhabi.

Max Verstappen was the first driver to face the FIA’s strict stance on the language used by drivers during Formula 1 race weekends.

As a result, Verstappen is required to attend the FIA awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, but while in the African nation, he must also support young drivers involved in the grassroots development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club under the FIA Affordable Cross Car initiative. This will fulfill the public service penalty imposed on him for his colorful language during the Singapore GP press conference a few weeks ago.

While Verstappen was immediately sanctioned in Singapore for his behavior, the opposite occurred in Abu Dhabi. During the final race of the season, Verstappen made headlines with a heated team radio where he called the stewards “stupid idiots” after being penalized for a first-turn incident with Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen had a strong start from the second row and approached Turn 1 by attacking Piastri on the inside. However, Oscar Piastri, unaware of Verstappen behind him, took the corner on his preferred line. The two cars made contact, spinning both into a tangle.

After reviewing the incident, the stewards penalized Verstappen with a 10-second penalty during the race, deeming his maneuver improper. Max Verstappen reacted sharply on the radio, exclaiming, “Can we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots!”

The Abu Dhabi stewards did not investigate the team radio remarks, and an FIA spokesperson confirmed to Motorsport.com that the case regarding the four-time world champion’s comments was closed without further sanctions.

These decisions have sparked debate. First, the penalty on Verstappen: throughout the season, the stewards largely allowed drivers to race freely, avoiding investigations or penalties for many borderline incidents. The clash between Verstappen and Piastri seemed more like a racing incident than outright misconduct by the Red Bull driver.

Second, the language used by Verstappen: while it is true that the comment was made in a high-stress moment during the race, which could provide mitigating circumstances, the FIA’s recent emphasis on regulating driver conduct makes it surprising that Verstappen was not at least investigated for the severity of his remarks.