Former F1 driver
Nico Rosberg discussed
Max Verstappen's protest at the post-qualifying press conference in Singapore.
Max Verstappen, who qualified in P2, attended the post-qualifying FIA press conference, where the top 3 drivers answered questions from the host, Tom Clarkson, and the members of the media.
However, while the Dutchman was present at the conference, he kept his answers very brief, avoiding any meaningful responses to the questions. This was his way of boycotting FIA's decision to penalize him for using the F-word during the previous press conference.
After the FIA press conference finished, Verstappen held his own mini-conference outside the room, during which he thoroughly answered all the media questions.
The 2016 Champion former F1 driver Nico Rosberg reacted to the Dutchman's protest, suggesting he was really pushing the limits. He told Sky Sports:
"Max is really going for it now, not even speaking in the FIA press conference. You're contractually obliged to answer the questions. It's a fine line. He's pushing the limits there."
"He is the World Champion, so he's the most important person in the paddock. It'll be interesting to watch that play out."
FIA has lately been trying to change how drivers express themselves on the team radios and during interviews, aiming to reduce the use of foul language during live broadcasts.
Max Verstappen said on Thursday during the conference ahead of the 2024
Singapore Grand Prix weekend that he
didn't mind if his radio messages weren't aired on the broadcast. However, he suggested he would not change his way of expressing himself.
When
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton were asked about the penalty the
Red Bull F1 driver received for using the F-word, they both
sided with the Dutchman.
Hamilton went as far as to suggest that he wouldn't serve the penalty (which was an "Obligation to accomplish some work of public interest") and that he hoped Verstappen would avoid doing it as well.