FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised Max Verstappen for fulfilling his community service obligation in Rwanda with enthusiasm and grace.
The community service was ordered after Verstappen used foul language during an FIA press conference in Singapore, where he described his Red Bull car as "f*cked." The incident tested the FIA's brand new stance against swearing by drivers.
"We said that we did not want any foul language," Ben Sulayem explained to Rwandan television during the FIA's end-of-season events.
"He is of course still very young," the FIA chief continued. "He said one word, and then they decided to give him a community service order."
Ben Sulayem recounted his conversation in Qatar with Verstappen ahead of the community service. "I told him not to worry, because he has to encourage and inspire young girls and boys who want to get into motorsport. That is his contribution to the community, after which he could immediately receive his trophy."
Before lifting his fourth world championship trophy, Verstappen participated in an event with young Rwandan drivers and engineers who developed a low-cost cross car. The visit fulfilled his FIA-mandated community service requirement.
"He has kept his promise," Ben Sulayem confirmed. "He was very happy and satisfied. He is very happy that he can spend time with children who want to achieve in motorsport."
The FIA president suggested that such community engagement should be seen as more than just a penalty.
"As a champion, as an ambassador, you should give back to society," he said. "This is the kind of service to the community that we need each and every driver and champion to do.
"And when we talk about diversity, what could be better than his presence here? This is real diversity. I think that in the future we should not see it as a punishment, but as a gesture from the drivers. Maybe I will put it in the contract when they get the license."
The FIA also expressed its gratitude for Verstappen's efforts in a post on X: "Giving back to the community. Thank you, Max."
