Verstappen will do FIA work in Rwanda after taking oath
Max Verstappen called his punishment for swearing “ridiculous” and initially protested the sanction by giving short answers during official FIA press conferences. [Getty Images] Max…
Max Verstappen will do an activity with junior competitors in Rwanda after taking the oath of office at a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The world champion was ordered to perform “community service” for the transgression, a punishment he called “ridiculous” at the time.
The FIA governing body said after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that Verstappen’s mission would coincide with the awards ceremony in the African country’s capital next week.
The top three drivers in the F1 world championship are required by regulations to attend the FIA’s end-of-season awards ceremony. Verstappen’s punishment was added to the mandatory trip.
A statement said: “During his stay in Kigali, (Verstappen) will undertake work with junior competitors as part of the grassroots development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC).
“The activity will involve an affordable FIA cross car which has been built locally in Rwanda by the RAC from plans provided by the FIA.”
Verstappen’s penalty, along with that of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for a similar infraction at the Mexico Grand Prix, led the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association to publish an open letter asking the FIA to treat them like adults.
The letter also criticizes FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has caused widespread consternation in F1 following his actions this year, for his “tone and language” when addressing the subject.
