Max Verstappen dubbed the FIA’s decision to punish him for using bad language in a press conference ‘ridiculous’ as F1’s swearing row begins to heat up. Verstappen finished second fastest in Saturday’s qualifying session at the Singapore Grand Prix, but the Dutchman has spent most of the weekend in the spotlight because of his off-track antics.

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has given only brief answers at a news conference in an apparent protest at series governing body the FIA for punishing him for swearing.

Given how strong Ferrari was in Monaco, this was a track that most anticipated would suit the SF-24 car. Leclerc and teammate Sainz, who won in Singapore last year, showed flashes of pace through practice, only to end up ninth and 10th on the grid for lights out on Sunday.