Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was punished Friday for swearing in a news conference in which he argued against greater restrictions on drivers swearing.

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen didn’t hold back when reflecting on his underwhelming performance during last week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sky Sports F1 presenter Ted Kravitz was forced to issue a public apology after an incident at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is censured by Formula 1’s governing body the FIA for swearing in an official news conference.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called for a crackdown on foul language in Formula One broadcasts. During an interview with Autosport, Ben Sulayem said the FIA has asked F1 management to limit the amount of swearing from radio communications that gets picked up on television.

The FIA's crackdown on profanity has been a major talking point ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix and the late stages of the 2024 F1 season, in which Hamilton currently sits sixth in the World Championship standings with victories in the British and Belgian Grand Prix.

The FIA wants the Formula One drivers to watch their language and asked Formula One Management to limit broadcasts with swearing. Some drivers, though, feel the sport’s governing body is being too sensitive.