Martin Brundle has questioned why Max Verstappen is “allowing himself to be distracted” by his fight with the FIA ​​over inappropriate language in F1.

The Dutchman has been ordered to undertake “some work of public interest”, akin to community service, after saying the F-word during the FIA ​​drivers’ press conference on Thursday at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hours before the incident, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had spoken out against the use of foul language in F1, and Verstappen had also spoken out on the issue.

After the 26-year-old was handed the sanction at the request of the stewards, Verstappen has refrained from speaking at subsequent press conferences, instead choosing to hold impromptu press conferences inside the F1 paddock.

For some, the storm overshadowed a fantastic week on track for the three-time world champion, and Brundle feared the off-track storm could be a distraction in his title battle with Lando Norris.

“I’m not sure why Max let himself get distracted and dragged into a swearing-in war with the FIA,” the former F1 driver wrote to Sky Sports F1.

“It was a waste of energy and served no good purpose for him, but he still didn’t answer questions in the post-race press conference.”

F1 drivers have a ‘responsibility’
Verstappen took second place at Marina Bay Street and held on to it in a race where Red Bull could do little more.

But while the result was seen as a victory for Verstappen, given his team’s relative struggles in Singapore in recent seasons, Brundle believes the 61-time grand prix winner is not making a name for himself with his antics, arguing that he has a responsibility to be a role model for many.

“I accept that drivers are not children, and we know that sometimes they will swear to not get their radio messages out, and of course they will also say ‘don’t broadcast our radio calls if you don’t like the language’,” the 65-year-old explained.

“It may be street language, but they represent themselves, their families, their countries, their teams, global sponsors, F1 itself and broadcasters around the world.

“They are icons, champions, opinion-makers, and they should think about the responsibility that comes with that privilege, especially when so many young fans are watching.

“No one wants to take away their energy, their emotions or their freedom of expression, but swearing for no reason to relieve tension at that moment is unnecessary.”