SINGAPORE (AP) — Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen gave only brief answers at a news conference on Saturday in an apparent protest against series governing body the FIA for punishing him for swearing.

Soap opera continues as usually talkative Verstappen suddenly claims 'problems with my voice' during Saturday press availability in Singapore.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem calls for less swearing in F1 driver communications, citing the need to protect the sport’s family-friendly image.

Max Verstappen said Formula One should not air team radio if the sport was concerned about bad language after the head of the governing FIA compared drivers to foul-mouthed rappers.

The FIA's crackdown on profanity has been a major talking point ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix and the late stages of the 2024 F1 season, in which Hamilton currently sits sixth in the World Championship standings with victories in the British and Belgian Grand Prix.

OPINION: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem should forget about stamping out swearing and focus on topics that actually matter

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in on a mission to stop drivers from swearing. In Thursday’s press conference in Singapore ahead of this Sunday's F1 Singapore Grand Prix, world champion Max Verstappen was asked about the performance of his car last weekend in Azerbaijan.

Max Verstappen said Formula One should not air team radio if the sport was concerned about bad language after the head of the governing FIA compared drivers to foul-mouthed rappers. Mohammed Ben Sulayem told motorsport.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is censured by Formula 1’s governing body the FIA for swearing in an official news conference.

Lewis Hamilton says there is a “racial element” to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent comments regarding drivers swearing during Formula 1 races.