Days after serving his punishment for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has spoken out against the FIA’s controversial approach, as President Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that future F1 driver contracts could include mandatory community service work.

The reigning World Champion was sanctioned for his language during an FIA press conference in September, with the governing body ordering Verstappen to complete “public interest work.” While Verstappen ultimately fulfilled his penalty in Rwanda during the FIA’s annual prize-giving gala, his frustration with the decision remains clear.

“We are drivers, not community workers,” Verstappen stated bluntly. “I understand the importance of maintaining a good image, but forcing this into contracts is too much. Everyone makes mistakes – are we going to be sent to do ‘community service’ every time we get a little angry?”

Verstappen’s reaction during the Singapore GP weekend sparked widespread attention as he answered media questions with unusually short or single-word responses, signaling his disapproval.

His fellow drivers have been quick to rally around him. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton urged Verstappen to ignore the punishment, while McLaren’s Lando Norris described the FIA’s decision as “pretty unfair.”

The rebellion wasn’t limited to F1. Eight-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier staged a similar protest after being fined for his post-stage comments during the WRC event in Greece.

While Verstappen complied with the FIA’s demands, the incident raises questions about the governing body’s handling of such issues. As the FIA hints at including similar measures in future driver contracts, Verstappen’s pushback, combined with support from his peers, may challenge the FIA’s approach moving forward.