Max Verstappen received a ‘community service’ penalty from the FIA stewards after using inappropriate language during Thursday's press conference at the Singapore GP two weeks ago. 

The reigning champion and current points leader made the remarks when questioned about why his teammate, Sergio Perez, was faster than him during the previous race in Baku.

“I don’t know, man. Different set-up. So as soon as I went into qualifying, I knew the car was f***ed,” Verstappen responded.

This came after a remark from FIA president Ben Sulayem, who stated that "F1 drivers are not rappers" and urged drivers to refrain from swearing during press conferences and even over radio communications during races.

Johnny Herbert, an FIA steward at the Singapore Grand Prix, provided insight into the reasoning behind the unexpected penalty given to Verstappen.

“At the press conference in Singapore, Max used the 'F' word about his car. The press conferences are beamed around the world," he told CasinoHawks. 

“There is more swearing than there ever has been. A press conference is not the place for it. Some journalists have said the sport is trying to make robots out of the drivers. That's not the case. You are just asking them not to swear, which I think is the right thing. Most drivers don't swear.

“The incident was referred to us as stewards. We had a good, open chat with Max for about 20 minutes, half an hour, in what was a difficult situation. 

“You could see in his face he was really worked up about it. But when he left, he appeared to be mollified about the process and why it's there. He did not blame us as stewards.

“As stewards, we have a range of tools to punish drivers. We are there to implement the rules and make a decision together. We could have fined him, but we felt it would be more beneficial to get him to do something socially responsible. It is up to Max and the FIA what that is.

“It all blew up afterwards because he went to the press conference and gave one-word answers then held his own impromptu press conference outside in the paddock.

“That showed Max's rebellious streak. I love that side of him, it is what makes Max Max, his honest and outspoken character. But there is a time and a place.

“Personally, I think there is too much swearing. I don't want my five-year-old grandchild listening to that sort of language.”

Other drivers, such as Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, voiced their disagreement with the FIA's punishment. Hamilton also cautioned the FIA president, stating that his remarks seemed to carry a racial undertone.