Verstappen takes aim at FIA over 'toddler' swearing punishment

Max Verstappen has re-engaged his feud with the FIA over its handling of him swearing in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last season.

What happened at the Marina Bay Circuit and what followed directly after is well-trodden ground, with the Dutchman ultimately completing his "work of public interest" in Rwanda, ahead of the end-of-season FIA awards ceremony, last week.

The 27-year-old appeared at a Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) grassroots development event, in support of its programme to help get young people involved in motorsport in the African country.

Verstappen highlighted how important it was for the FIA to hold the prize-giving gala in Kigali, saying he is "excited" to see how motorsport develops on the African continent over the next decade.

Despite the positive outcome of his so-called community service, the four-time F1 drivers' champion nonetheless still harbours some discontent towards the governing body.

"That’s something I don’t like about F1," Verstappen said to Viaplay whilst reflecting on the incident. "Of course, I understand that you can’t curse in a press conference, but it was language; it got out quickly.

“We all grew up like this, the people sat there as well. And certain people are saying: ‘My five-year-old grandchild is also watching this’. When I was 5 years old, I also sat between adults cursing. My parents didn’t curse at me, of course."

Verstappen clearly took umbrage with the suggestion he could be considered responsible for teaching young children inappropriate language, arguing that it is used elsewhere without his slip of the tongue.

The 63-time grand prix winner went as far as to claim he was being treated like a small child himself in the way the FIA responded to the incident.

"But what do you think I said at school? You’ll always have that," he added. "If it is not said to me there, it’ll be used at school.

"You want to act tough as a child towards others. It’s a part of it. Of course, you have to watch your language, but to be punished like a toddler has me wondering, what are we doing in this sport?"