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FIA makes verdict over Max Verstappen’s ‘stupid idiots’ comment
Tereza Hořínková
News.gp journalist and a girl with big dreams
The FIA has confirmed that Max Verstappen will not face any consequences for his fiery radio message during F1 Abu Dhabi season finale, where he referred to the race stewards as “stupid idiots” after receiving a penalty.
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Max Verstappen’s relationship with Formula 1’s stewards became a hot topic in the final races of the 2024 season.
Earlier this year, Verstappen had received a penalty for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. As part of his punishment, he will do community service in Rwanda during the FIA gala week. He will work with young drivers in a program run by the Rwanda Automobile Club.
At last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen found himself in trouble once again after a collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the first lap.
The crash happened when Verstappen tried to overtake Piastri on the inside of Turn 1 but misjudged the move, causing both cars to spin.
The stewards gave Verstappen a 10-second penalty, which clearly upset him. On the team radio, he then called the stewards “stupid idiots.”
However, despite that, the FIA later said there would be no further punishment, closing the matter.
