According to Max Verstappen, political correctness is ruining F1. The Dutch driver found himself at the center of a media controversy during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend when he used inappropriate language.
The FIA decided to punish him with community service. In response, the Red Bull world champion began a long campaign against the Federation’s methods, speaking in monosyllables during press conferences.
A subsequent controversy over the FIA’s judgment methods arose with the “case” of Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver had also let slip an inappropriate word in Mexico. Unlike Verstappen, however, the Ferrari driver was only fined.
The recent changes made by the Federation have led F1 drivers to unite and make their voices heard via social media. Through the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) page, all 20 drivers released a joint statement urging the FIA president to moderate “tone and language” when addressing the drivers.
The entire situation has irritated Max Verstappen, who feels he no longer enjoys F1 since the introduction of political correctness. “You always have to be politically correct. It’s always been that way, but I think some things that have come up lately have made [F1] less fun,” said the three-time world champion in a recent interview.
The Red Bull driver confessed he doesn’t know how the situation between the FIA and the drivers will evolve or if it will worsen further. “As far as I’m concerned, I prefer not to say too much,” he continued – “I’m just living my life, doing what I need to do during race weekends, but also the rest of the day. You do what you like, but you have to be very careful about what you say.” – the three-time Formula 1 world champion concluded.
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