FIA closes case on Verstappen radio outburst in Abu Dhabi GP
Max Verstappen's fiery outburst over team radio during last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hasn’t the Red Bull driver in hot water with the FIA.
Despite calling the race stewards "stupid idiots" after receiving a 10-second penalty for a collision with McLaren's Oscar Piastri, Verstappen will not face an investigation by the governing body.
The incident unfolded on the opening lap of F1’s season finale when Verstappen collided with Piastri as the pack funneled into Turn 1.
The stewards deemed Verstappen responsible and handed the 2024 world champion a 10-second penalty – a decision that drew an angry response from the Dutchman.
Over team radio, Verstappen sarcastically quipped, "Can we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots!"
Despite the harsh language, the FIA opted not to investigate Verstappen’s comment further, and an FIA spokesperson later confirmed that the matter was closed, according to Motorsport.com.
However, Verstappen was criticized for his abuse by Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle who argued that the penalty was justified.
“You can’t say that, that’s just not fair – they’re applying the regulations,” said the former F1 driver. “You don’t run into other people, then you won’t get the penalties.”
But Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended his star driver, suggesting that Verstappen’s frustration was an emotional response in the heat of the moment.
“I’m sure in any sport, there will always be frustration from players or sportspeople when you’re delivered a penalty like that,” Horner told reporters.
“In other sports… if footballers had a microphone on, then I am sure there’d be a few choice words as well.”
The incident wasn’t Verstappen's first brush with the FIA for his language. Earlier this year, he received community service for swearing during a press conference in Singapore.
Verstappen will undertake his community service this week in Rwanda while attending the FIA’s annual awards gala on December 13.
In Kigali, the four-time world champion will work with the Rwanda Automobile Club on a grassroots development program aimed at nurturing junior drivers.
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