Martin Brundle has shared advice with Max Verstappen, suggesting that the current championship leader should concentrate on racing instead of engaging in disputes with the FIA, which he considers a waste of energy.
Verstappen recently clashed with the governing body over what he sees as excessive punishment related to President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s new crackdown on driver swearing, both on and off the track.
The Red Bull driver became frustrated after receiving a community service penalty from the FIA for swearing during a press conference in Singapore, where he described his struggling RB20 car as “f***ed.”
In retaliation, the three-time world champion responded by giving short answers during the FIA’s Friday press conference at Marina Bay. His stance garnered both support and criticism; while Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris backed him, others questioned his approach.
Brundle, however, believes that Verstappen’s confrontational attitude toward the FIA is counterproductive.
“They are the referee, they are the police, the judge, and the jury,” Brundle told Sky Sports. “I don’t understand why Max is wasting his energy on this.”
The former F1 driver emphasized that as a world champion and role model, Verstappen should maintain a more respectful demeanor.
“Over swearing? He’s a world champion, a triple champion who could soon be a quadruple champion. What’s the point?”
“He is a role model. He represents Formula 1, his team, and his country. He can choose how to speak, but unnecessary swearing in press conferences?”
While the feud between Verstappen and the FIA continues, attention has also turned to the ongoing championship race.
McLaren’s Norris, who is heading to Austin with a reduced deficit of 52 points in the Drivers’ standings, has become a serious contender against Verstappen’s dominance.
Brundle believes Norris possesses the speed and capability to challenge and possibly defeat his Dutch rival.
“He’s got the pace. The team has a great car,” said the Sky F1 commentator. “Lando is learning, growing, and becoming more comfortable.”
“Chasing and being chased are different experiences in any sport. When he gets close to winning the championship, whether this year or next, how strong is his mindset?”
Brundle pointed out that Norris’s recent wins and podium finishes will have bolstered his confidence.
“In Austria, we saw them trip over each other. Lando underestimated how aggressive Max would be in a battle, and he learned from that,” he explained.
“He is still on an upward trajectory in terms of development. He has started winning races and has figured out how to lead from pole. The way he won in Holland and Singapore was just incredible.”