FIA Responds to Max Verstappen’s “Idiots” Comment After Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, made headlines following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by calling FIA race stewards “stupid idiots” over a radio message to his team.

This outspoken comment came after Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for a collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at Turn 1. Typically, first-lap collisions are given some leniency, which added to Verstappen’s frustration. Despite the incident and the derogatory remark, the FIA stated there would be no additional repercussions, indicating the matter is now closed, according to Motorsport.com.

The incident involving Verstappen and Piastri unfolded dramatically during the Abu Dhabi race, causing both drivers to spin as a result of their collision. Verstappen attempted an ambitious overtake on the inside, but contact with Piastri’s rear ended with both cars losing a number of places.

This incident resulted in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen. The race also saw Piastri face penalties, including a 10-second sanction for a subsequent crash with Franco Colapinto, complicating McLaren’s position that weekend.

Verstappen was frustrated, as proven by his comment over the radio to his team.

“Can we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots!”

The FIA chose not to escalate the matter with further disciplinary action.

Earlier in the year, Verstappen was involved in another incident where he used inappropriate language, this time during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. As a result, the FIA assigned him community service, coinciding with the upcoming FIA awards in Kigali, Rwanda.

While in Kigali, Verstappen will teach junior racers as part of the grassroots development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club. The initiative includes an FIA Affordable Cross Car, locally assembled in Rwanda from blueprints provided by the FIA. This community service matches with the global effort of the FIA to improve motorsport accessibility and development with the involvement of 147 National Sporting Authorities worldwide

On top of this, Verstappen will attend the FIA Awards on December 13 in Kigali. Here, he is set to receive his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship trophy. This event will also include Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc who finished second and third in the driver’s standings.

2024 Driver Standings

1. Max Verstappen – 437
2. Lando Norris – 374
3. Charles Leclerc – 356
4. Oscar Piastri – 292
5. Carlos Sainz – 290
6. George Russell – 245
7. Lewis Hamilton – 223
8. Sergio Perez – 152
9. Fernando Alonso – 70
10. Pierre Gasly – 42
11. Nico Hulkenberg – 41
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 30
13. Lance Stroll – 24
14. Esteban Ocon – 23
15. Kevin Magnussen – 16
16. Alexander Albon – 12
17. Daniel Ricciardo – 12
18. Oliver Bearman – 7
19. Franco Colapinto – 5
20. Zhou Guanyu – 4
21. Liam Lawson – 4
22. Valtteri Bottas – 0
23. Logan Sargeant – 0
24. Jack Doohan – 0