Max Verstappen was handled community service penalty by the race stewards at the Singapore Grand Prix for using bad language during Thursday's official press conference.

This followed a comment from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said that "F1 drivers are not rappers" and encouraged drivers to avoid swearing during press conferences and even on radio communications during races.

The reigning champion reacted to the penalty by holding his own informal press briefings in the Singapore paddock after giving only brief answers during the FIA press conferences for the rest of the weekend.

Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, the Dutchman said he hadn’t received all the details of his punishment yet, but he would keep holding his own media sessions where he would continue to share his thoughts freely.

“I haven't heard anything, so yeah, for me, it doesn't really change anything with the situation,” said Verstappen quoted by Motorsport.com.

“I mean, I also prefer to talk less so it is fine for me.

“At the end of the day, everyone has their own opinion, but it is quite clear that, like I said already it was silly stuff.

“I am always open for a chat [with Ben Sulayem], but from my side at the moment it is not that I am the one who has to reach out with this stuff. I just live my life and continue, nothing changes.”

Verstappen enters the weekend with a 52-point lead in the championship over Lando Norris, while Red Bull prepares to roll out new upgrades to help the Dutchman secure his fourth consecutive title.