Max Verstappen was the talking point in Formula 1 for the ninth time in his career . The FIA has awarded the Red Bull Racing driver community service for jumping during the press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix . This is another example where Verstappen possesses many of the attributes of F1 legend Ayrton Senna , not only on the track , but off it as well .
Many Formula 1 experts agree that Verstappen reminds us of the Brazilian Senna on the track . Both had the ability to get the upper hand by braking late , protect the tyres while staying on pace with the rest of the field , overcompensate when the pressure is high and dominate in the rain . However, there are other elements where Verstappen and Senna share common ground .
Not only racing speed , but also personality determines the greatness of Verstappen and Senna . Let’s take the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix as an example . Senna was on pole position for McLaren and could have won his second world title in this race . Amusingly , the FIA - led by French president Jean – Marie Balestre – decided to allow Senna to start on the wet track . This favoured Balestre ‘s compatriot Alain Prost , who started in P2 . After Prost ‘s victory over Senna at the start, the Brazilian made a decision that did not win him the popularity award , but did earn him his second world title : Senna immediately escaped from Prost and delivered his speech to Balestre .
Ahead of last weekend ‘s Singapore Grand Prix , Mohammed Bin Sulayem said he wants to tackle criticism of drivers on team radio . At the pre- race press conference at the Marina Bay Street Circuit , Verstappen responded to this – supported by Yuki Tsunoda – and used the term ” f***** ” . The FIA intervened immediately, and even before the race Verstappen was informed of a community service sanction . The Dutchman had already been fined for public service in 2018 after repeatedly pushing Esteban Ocon after the Brazilian Grand Prix . Verstappen and Ocon (who was one length ahead at the time ) collided , after which Verstappen lost the lead of the race – and thus a certain victory.
Verstappen – just like Senna in 1990 – made a statement to the FIA . At the press conference after qualifying and the race, the three – time world champion decided to address the press ‘ questions either in a terse manner or not at all . Verstappen stressed that , outside the press conference , journalists could count on ample answers in the paddock .
In the meantime, Verstappen benefited from the support of other Formula 1 drivers within the paddock . Lewis Hamilton – one of Verstappen ‘s main opponents in his career – has already indicated that Verstappen should not face the community service sanction. On top of that , Alexander Wurz – president of the drivers ‘ union , the GPDA – has indicated that the drivers could hold discussions with the FIA . However, there is no denying that Verstappen , like Senna, is shaking up the F1 field .