FIA ‘take action’ after Max Verstappen outburst as Lewis Hamilton agreed with | F1 | Sport

The FIA have ordered a clampdown on drivers using X-rated language following Max Verstappen‘s behaviour at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver collided with Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages, with the contact throwing his car into the air and off the track before he salvaged matters and continued.

Verstappen was clearly irate afterwards, seemingly feeling that Hamilton had braked inappropriately as he tried to overtake the Mercedes man.

Over team radio, he accused race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase of talking “b***shit” and repeatedly used the word “f**k” during his rants.

And in his post-race press conference, the Dutchman was defiant on his language, arguing: “If people don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.

“I’m very driven for success, I think I’ve proven that already. I always want to optimise stuff, now people can argue that he might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion.”

That prompted a reponse from Hamilton, who implied Verstappen’s behaviour was not befitting of a current champion. “You have to be a team leader, a team member,” he said. “Maybe not so much a team leader but more so just always remember you are a team-mate with lots of people and you have to act like a world champion.”

And according to The Times, the FIA agree with Hamilton, with team bosses now told to address their drivers and tell them to be mindful of their language over the radio. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One Group, reportedly reminded teams at a commission meeting on Tuesday to be wary that communication is broadcast live during races.

The notion of consistency over the issue was also raised. Before the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024, team principals Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur were given official warnings after swearing in an FIA press conference.

Lambiase, Verstappen and Christian Horner are now set to discuss the events in Hungary before the next race in Belgium this weekend. Despite the driver leading the F1 standings, it is the latest off-track saga to plague the team.

Verstappen and co are already under pressure in Spa. He will take a ten-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix in order to use a fifth combustion engine of the season.

It threatens to end his run of dominance at the circuit. Verstappen has won at the famous track in each the past three seasons, despite not starting in pole position in either 2022 or 2023.