Johnny Herbert has explained why Max Verstappen was controversially punished for swearing.
Verstappen was ordered to do community service by F1's governing body for taking the oath during a live broadcast press conference.
The ruling comes after an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, by which he urged drivers to refrain from using foul language.
In the article, Ben Sulayem said: “We need to distinguish our sport – motorsports – from rap music. You know we're not rappers. Do they are saying the F word how repeatedly a minute? We don't cope with that. It's them and us [us]”
While Herbert – who was race steward on the Singapore Grand Prix where the Dutchman swore on the press conference and was penalized – insists the sanction was not a direct results of Ben Sulayem's desire to focus on foul language, he did offer insight into the choice: making.
“During a press conference in Singapore, Max used the F-word in reference to his car. Press conferences are broadcast around the world,” CasinoHawks said.
“There is more swearing than ever before. A press conference is not the place for such things. Some journalists claim that the sport is trying to turn drivers into robots. That's not true. You just ask them not to swear.” , which I feel is true. Most drivers don't swear.
“The incident was determined to be stewards-related. We had an excellent, open conversation with Max for about 20 minutes and a half hour about our difficult situation.
Johnny Herbert, a former FIA driver and steward, arrives on the track
Photo: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
“You could see on his face that he was really enthusiastic about it. But as he left, he seemed mollified by the method and its cause. He didn't blame us as stewards.
“As stewards, we now have a variety of tools to punish drivers. We are here to implement the regulations and make decisions together. We could have fined him, but we felt it could be more helpful to get him to do something socially responsible. What that shall be is dependent upon Max and the FIA.
“It all blew up later because he went to the press conference and gave one-word answers after which held his own impromptu press conference outside within the paddock.
“It showed Max's rebellious streak. I love this side of him, it's what makes Max Max his honest and sincere character. But there is a time and a place. Personally, I think there is too much swearing in it. I want my five-year-old grandson to hear such language.”
Herbert also admitted that Ben Sulayem's controversial interview with Motorsport.com “didn't go down well with the drivers” and claims they were “antagonized”.
He added: “There is an FIA code prohibiting the usage of foul language. Per week earlier, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke about swearing and saying that F1 drivers shouldn’t swear because they are usually not “rappers”.
“The drivers didn't prefer it they usually were antagonized, especially Lewis [Hamilton] who thought it was a racist slur.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA
Photo: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images
“The drivers weren’t glad about this. Everyone joined forces with Max. I've noticed that the drivers are a much tighter group than I've seen in a few years. They have much stronger opinions on various topics.
“Swearing is something that Ben Sulayem desires to suppress. You can't do this in the warmth of the moment during a race.
“I hope common sense will prevail amongst F1 drivers who vow to maneuver forward – drivers and the FIA ​​must work together.
“You have to know that each side should cooperate. I do know the FIA ​​president is unhappy with the vulgar language.
“There is a belief amongst drivers that swearing at a press conference is inappropriate. “It's just something that has built up from the president's initial comment about 'rappers,' which some found offensive, to Max being dragged in front of the flight attendants in Singapore.”
Herbert also says that a gathering has since taken place with F1 drivers and that the precise details of Verstappen's community service sentence haven’t yet been agreed.
He said: “We then had a gathering with the drivers and no less than one, who I won't name, made it clear that he thought swearing was unacceptable.
“There are many young people around the globe who love this sport and idolize the drivers. Drivers need to know that they’re role models.
“We made a decision that there was a case that needed to be settled, if you will. Max and the FIA ​​must agree on what the sanction should be and what it will be. That part is out of our control.”
