F1 News

F1 Nico Rosberg on Max Verstappen protest

Rosberg advises Verstappen to 'stop wasting energy' on the swearing issue

22 September at 11:58

Nico Rosberg has told Max Verstappen to stop wasting energy on the swearing incident in Formula 1. The 2016 World Champion wants the Dutchman to focus on the World Championship fight. 

On Thursday in Singapore, the Dutchman used the word 'f***ed' in a press conference, prompting a 'community service' penalty from the FIA. After qualifying, Verstappen didn't elongate his answers in the press conference to make a protest.

On Sky Sports, Rosberg advised Verstappen not to focus too much on it. "There's two sides. There's my kids watching, on the other hand we want them to be gladiators and show their emotions. So for me the way is just bleep it out, let them be, let them show their emotions. I think that's important for all of us watching," he said.

Rosberg on Verstappen

Verstappen protested on Saturday. He kept his answers short. The FIA has already told GPblog that there will be no further ramifications. An FIA spokesperson said, "He took part in the FIA Press Conference as required by the procedures."

Rosberg understands the reigning world champion's protest but does not think he should waste his time on it. "If I was in Max's position though, this would not be so good because he's wasting his energy on this. And he needs full focus, he's fighting for the World Championship at the moment. So I think it's not so great to at least deal with it so much," the German concluded.

This article has been created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom