Wurz: Life-long FIA community service to Steiner for using f-word?

The swearing occurred during the F1 drivers' press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix last week when Verstappen was asked about the state of his Red Bull car; he asked if it was "f***d," which prompted the penalty, which is an "obligation to accomplish some work of public interest.".

Many believe the FIA Stewards in Singapore acted on what was never an issue after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem launched an unexpected attack on the use of foul language: "We are not rappers," he said to the consternation of most in the Formula 1 world.

The likes of Singapore Grand Prix winner Lando Norris and seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton backed Verstappen. The Briton even questioned if there was not a hint of racism in the "we are not rappers" comment by Ben Sulayem.

While Verstappen has gone amusingly quiet in press conferences to protest and make mistakes, he is not amused and even warned that the saga could impact his future in the sport.

Interestingly, neither Mercedes driver attended their post-race TV pen interviews citing driver exhaustion, which could be interpreted as a protest by the team to the clampdown. Their boss Toto Wolff (as well as his wife Susie) and Ben Sulayem are not pals.

Meanwhile, Wurz told reporters at Marina Bay: "How many lifetime community services would (former Haas team principal) Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the f-word? He was glorified for using the F-word. Netflix broadcasts this worldwide, no problem. But then to change suddenly like this?"

Wurz, of course, referencing the former Haas F1 Team principal Steiner, who became an unlikely global star of the Netflix Drive to Survive series for his vulgar language. Since being dismissed from the American team, his 'brand' has been built around his life as a foul-mouthed character in the F1 paddock.

As for the actual swear word Verstappen used, Wurz admitted: "The choice of word is not my personal taste as a driver. But, as GPDA chairman, I have to say we will discuss it internally, reach a full consensus, and then consider whether and in what form we talk to the FIA and the president."

It is generally accepted that the everyday English language is peppered with expletives for effect rather than insult and ingrained into modern-day Western culture.

Ironically, rappers are feted VIP guests on the F1 grids at most, if not all, Grand Prix weekends. No surprise they represent a genre of music that is among the most popular in the world right now, including the Middle East and UAE, for that matter, where Ben Sulayem hails from.

As for when swearing is not acceptable, Wurz ventured: "It shouldn’t be personally offensive, and it shouldn’t be discriminatory either. They’ve all come a long way in that regard. So, for me, the penalty is too severe."

Formula One Management (FOM), who broadcast all the GPs, will continue to play delayed radio messages with expletives beeped out.