MAX VERSTAPPEN channelled his inner Jose Mourinho during his press conference last night.
The reigning world champion was appearing at Formula 1’s 2025 season launch event at the 02 Arena.
During his presser, Verstappen was quizzed about the FIA’s controversial new swearing rules.
As part of its International Sporting Code, motorsport’s governing body has outlawed “any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defender by the FIA.”
Drivers will be slapped with a €10,000 (£7,900) fine for a first offence.
A second penalty will be met with a $20,000 (£15,800) fine and a one-month suspended ban.
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If they breach rules for a third time, they will receive a one-month suspension, $30,000 (£23,700) fine AND a championship points deduction.
Last year, Verstappen was made to complete community service in Rwanda after swearing in his Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
Asked about the new rules on swearing last night, he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”
The moment was reminiscent of Mourinho’s famous “if I speak I’m in big trouble” post-match interview.
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He said the famous line after a 1-0 Chelsea defeat to Aston Villa in March 2014.
Verstappen went on to add: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough.
“I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”
Verstappen’s rival George Russell took a different stance.
He said: “As an individual it’s going quite far with everything.
“As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference].”
The season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
