Helmut Marko explains the ‘positive influence’ of Max Verstappen’s FIA swearing row in Singapore

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen was embroiled in a battle with the FIA throughout the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Max Verstappen was one of six drivers selected to participate in the pre-race press conferences on Thursday afternoon at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The second half of this season hasn’t been straightforward for the Red Bull driver and the previous race in Baku went particularly badly.

Verstappen crossed the line in fifth, but only because he benefitted from a crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz in the final moments of the race.

He was overtaken by closest title rival Lando Norris despite the fact he was eliminated in Q1 and when describing his car, used a swear word.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanted the use of swear words by drivers minimised going into the race weekend, meaning Verstappen’s cursing couldn’t have come at a worse time.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Verstappen was told he would have to carry out community service as his punishment, which hasn’t gone down well among his fellow drivers.

WhatsApp chats between the F1 grid have been in support of Verstappen and speaking to F1 Insider after the race, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko gave his view on the situation.

He firmly believes that actually, young people can take something positive out of Verstappen’s stance, rather than the punishment the FIA is seeking.

Helmut Marko shares ‘positive influence’ of Max Verstappen amid FIA swearing row

According to the report, Red Bull are taking the threats against Verstappen ‘seriously’.

Marko is believed to want to appease Verstappen but isn’t entirely comfortable with him being punished for this perceived misdemeanour.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Speaking about the matter, Marko said: “Max stands by his values. He can’t simply ignore it when he feels he’s been treated unfairly and he says so.

“That could also be interpreted as a positive influence on the youngsters.

“Always stand by your values could be the message.”

Red Bull face more serious issues aside from Max Verstappen’s swearing row with the FIA

Although Verstappen’s comments – mainly made outside of official FIA press conferences – created plenty of headlines, there were also a lot of talking points for Red Bull on the track as well.

Sergio Perez looked much quicker in Baku but returned to arguably below his normal underwhelming levels in Singapore.

While Christian Horner called Perez’s point in Singapore ‘hugely important’, he couldn’t reach Q3 and struggled to pass the likes of Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg.

Nico Rosberg has suggested Red Bull might have to backtrack on any work they’ve done on next year’s car to concentrate on fixing their immediate issues.

The Constructors’ Championship appears to already be out of reach with McLaren looking too quick to catch over the final six races.

Marko expects Red Bull to be much improved in Austin with an update package coming, but all eyes are on whether Verstappen can do enough to prevent Norris from stealing the lead in the driver’s standings.

With very few regulations expected to change next year, if they can’t match the trajectory of their closest rivals, then Red Bull won’t go into 2025 among the favourites for either championship.