Max Verstappen not very talkative during press conference in Austria
The Dutch driver simply replied "no comment" to every question put to him, explaining that he simply couldn't be critical of the FIA any longer, on pain of being suspended for one race.
While the weekend has not yet officially begun and the cars haven’t hit the track, the Red Bull driver has already attracted attention. The Dutchman remained almost silent during the traditional Thursday press conference after new questions regarding the penalty points system, simply responding to journalists with a no comment.
The highlight of this conference comes when journalist Leonid Kliuev from the media outlet Grande Premio Brazil asks him if he will adapt his driving and behavior on the track now that he is close to a suspension. Verstappen, somewhat annoyed, responds: « Are you kidding? Is this a trap? I get asked this question all the time, every weekend. I have nothing to add. » The four-time world champion assured that he would not change his driving style, especially since he will regain two of his 11 penalty points after this Austrian event.
Max Verstappen without response in press conference
The former Red Bull driver adopted the same approach when the subject of his team’s protest against Mercedes came up, regarding George Russell allegedly slowing down deliberately during the safety car in Canada, forcing Max Verstappen to overtake him, which is normally prohibited. For the Dutchman, it’s all history now. “I think everything has been said about Montreal. In any case, I have nothing to add about that race. There’s no point in continuing to talk about it.”
He also dodged the question regarding penalty points and whether the regulations made driving less natural. While the two Frenchmen Hadjar and Gasly played along, Verstappen chose not to answer, explaining that he could not risk incurring a penalty.
Restraint to avoid a sanction
Later in the day, the Hasselt native was much more talkative in front of the Dutch journalists present at the Red Bull hospitality. He notably spoke about the reasons for his attitude during the press conference, simply mentioning a form of fatigue after repeatedly being asked the same questions. With irony, the Dutchman declared: « It was a great press conference, once again… I’m really enjoying it. That’s why I didn’t say much. It simplifies my life. I say nothing or ‘no comment,’ and that’s it. »
Questioned by Autosport about whether it was the only reason pushing him to adopt this position or if it was because he risks suspension if he makes statements that could be deemed problematic, Verstappen replied: « Clearly the second option. Everyone knows that now. There are questions that should not be answered, even if you have an opinion. I simply no longer have the right to be critical. »
A situation that applies everywhere according to him, even with the Dutch press. « Here too, yes. Because it’s still written, and then they say « Max said this, Max said that ». Even for that, they can make stories. Everything can be interpreted as criticism, and you can be sanctioned for that. It’s clearly stated in the regulations. They can consider it as an attack against them, so I prefer not to say anything anymore. » Indeed, since Thursday, the FIA has published new rules that drivers must comply with.
Difficult rules to read and understand
Its directives stipulate that « Any statements, acts, or writings that have caused moral harm or loss to the FIA, its bodies, members, or directors, or more generally to the interests of motor sport and the values defended by the FIA, can be sanctioned. » This corresponds to article 12.2.1.f of the International Sporting Code. In case of a violation of this rule, the document specifies possible sanctions. « For an offense in a controlled environment, a fine of up to €5,000, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances. For very serious offenses, more severe penalties provided by the Code may be imposed. »
Fairly vague sanctions hence the silent attitude adopted by Verstappen who prefers to take no risks with the FIA. The Dutchman has spoken very little in front of the FIA since the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix when he was sanctioned with community service for swearing during the press conference. According to him, an exchange with the federation should « come naturally, at some point ».
In the meantime, the Dutchman must prepare for his Austrian weekend, the home race for Red Bull. Although he has already won the race five times (2018, 2019, twice in 2021, and 2023), McLaren seems to be the favorites. However, watch out for the Red Bull driver who has proven he can win this race without having the best car. The duel is likely to be closely contested once again on the short Spielberg track.
