Verstappen highlights F1 ‘emotion’ contrast

Max Verstappen has highlighted the use of emotion in other sporting environments as part of his protest at being punished for swearing.

Verstappen was flagged by the FIA for swearing during the official Thursday press conference in Singapore. As a result, he is now obliged "to accomplish some work of public interest”.

The three-time F1 champion gave subdued answers in the post-qualifying and race press conferences on Saturday and Sunday and instead spoke to media outside the room.

“I don't mind doing this," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. "For me, it works well,” 

Verstappen received backing from fellow F1 drivers who criticised the penalty, with Lewis Hamilton calling on the Dutchman to boycott the punishment.

The 26-year-old pointed to the emotion shown on a football pitch as he questioned why F1 should be different.

“I think you should be able to show emotions in a way,” he said. “That's what racing is about.

“In any sport, everyone walking around on the pitch, if they get tackled or get pushed, or there's someone not happy with something, or there's a frustrating moment that they get asked about, it's quite normal that there can be a sort of reaction.

“It’s all a bit too [much]. All these latest additions are just silly. 

“But I also don’t want to go into too much detail otherwise I might get called back up again!”