Verstappen provides solution to 'abnormal' F1 penalties

Max Verstappen has joked about a solution to the recent FIA clampdown on swearing.

The governing body outlined new guidelines last year which detailed that misconduct could result in penalties ranging from fines to race bans and a loss of championship points.

WRC driver Adrien Fourmoux became the first competitor to be fined under the new rules following an incident at Rally Sweden last weekend.

Verstappen was issued a community service punishment last year for swearing during a press conference, prior to the introduction of the new FIA guidelines.

The Dutchman has suggested he will start swearing in languages other than English in a bid to avoid being hit with a penalty.

"Maybe I should just start swearing in Dutch and not in English,” Verstappen told media including RacnigNews365. 

“Or in Limburgish, that's even better. Of course, I'm just not going to say now what a swear word is in Limburgish!”

The fines will also cover unauthorised promotion of political, religious and personal statements.

Verstappen suggested the FIA has too many avenues in hand that allow them to issue fines to teams and drivers.

"I'm not going to say too much anymore, that's for sure," Verstappen told RacingNews365. "It does go beyond that [swearing].

“You also have to be careful about giving your opinion, because that can be taken as offensive.

“What's in the rules now, for example the amounts of fines and further penalties, that's pretty abnormal. I think most drivers agree.”

However, the four-time champion does not believe drivers swearing in public has a knock-on impact on those watching at home.

"It's not like you suddenly change completely if you have to pay a fine a few times. I'm not going to tell you to behave differently, am I? 

“There is emotion and passion in it. Of course I understand that swearing in itself is not okay. But then when they use the example that young children look at it, what did you do yourself at school or when you played soccer in the street? 

“I get that sometimes you have to watch your words, but it doesn't all have to be described so clearly. A little common sense is also allowed.”