Max Verstappen ordered to undertake ‘public service’ by FIA

Max Verstappen must carry out two days of "public service at the direction of the FIA" in the wake of his post-race contretemps with Esteban Ocon in Brazil.

Verstappen held the lead of the race at Interlagos but was spun by Force India’s Ocon, who attempted to unlap himself through the Senna S.

Stewards placed the blame on Ocon and he was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty and his license was issued with three penalty points.

Verstappen went on to finish second and confronted Ocon in the post-race FIA weighing area, and shoved his rival on several occasions.

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Verstappen was asked about the contretemps and said “I don’t really have a lot to comment on that, except that he was being a pussy,” and both were summoned to the stewards.

The pair shook hands upon leaving the stewards’ room but Verstappen was found to have breached the FIA’s International Sporting Code over deliberate physical contact between drivers.

The stewards reviewed video evidence and heard from both drivers.

“Max Verstappen entered the FIA Weigh Bridge Garage, proceeded directly to Esteban Ocon, and following a few words, started an altercation, pushing or hitting Ocon forcefully several times in the chest," read a report.

“The stewards held a hearing, in which both drivers acted appropriately and cooperated with the stewards.

“The stewards understood from Max Verstappen that he was extremely upset by the incident on track during the race and accepted his explanation that it was not his original intent to strike Ocon, but that he was “triggered” and caused him to lose his temper.

“While sympathetic to Verstappen’s passion, the stewards determined that it is the obligation of sportsmen at this level to act appropriately and as role models to other drivers at all levels and found that Verstappen failed in this respect.

“The stewards therefore ordered that Max Verstappen is required to perform two (2) days of public service at the direction of the FIA within six months of the incident.”