Verstappen: 'Politically correct' F1 becoming 'less enjoyable'

Max Verstappen has said that some of the steps taken by the FIA to curb bad language makes life in F1 "less enjoyable."

The Dutchman found himself at the centre of a media storm in September when he used the F-word in an official FIA press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

His use of the swear word came less than a day after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had voiced his concern about the amount of foul language broadcast in F1.

Verstappen was punished by the FIA stewards in Marina Bay for his indiscretion, with the 27-year-old sentenced to what is akin to community service.

In response, the three-time F1 drivers' champion restricted his responses in press conferences over the remainder of the weekend, instead opting to hold impromptu media scrums outside in the F1 paddock.

The whole episode brought driver conduct, including language, into sharp focus. Less than a month later, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc escaped with a fine after swearing in the post-Mexico City Grand Prix press conference. However, his immediate apology was central to his lighter punishment.

The steps taken by the FIA has evidently had an impact on the drivers, with Verstappen suggesting the restrictive approach negatively affects his off-track work.

"You always have to be politically correct," the 62-time grand prix winner told media including RacingNews365.

"That's always been the case, but I think with some of the things that have come in lately, it makes it a little bit less enjoyable."

In light of the increased scrutiny, the drivers of the F1 paddock have rallied together, with the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) creating a social media presence and releasing a statement regarding "driver misconduct".

In doing so, the drivers addressed swearing, as well as suggesting the FIA president should consider his own tone and language, especially when speaking to or about drivers. They also highlighted Ben Sulayem's use of the media to convey messages. 

What the outcome of the potential conflict will be, and whether it will further develop, remains to be seen, but Verstappen is unsure about what will happen if the situation between the FIA and the F1 drivers escalates further.

"If it gets worse, I don't know," he added. "But for me, I prefer not to say too much.

"[I am] just living my life, doing what I have to do on the race weekends, but also the outside of that.

"Do what you enjoy, [but] you have to be very careful with what you say."