Verstappen follows in Senna's footsteps after yet another clash with the FIA

Many Formula 1 experts may agree that Verstappen is reminiscent of Brazilian legend Senna on track. Both drivers possessed the ability to overtake by braking late, to save tyres while still driving as fast as the rest of the field, to overcompensate when the pressure is on and to dominate in the rain. But there are other factors where Verstappen and Senna have common ground.

Verstappen and Senna won't be lectured by the FIA

Not only track speed, but also character determines the greatness of both Verstappen and Senna. Take the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix as an example. Senna was in pole position for McLaren and could win his second world title at that race. Funnily enough, the FIA - led by French president Jean-Marie Balestre - decides to let Senna start on the dirty side of the track. That favoured Balestre's compatriot Alain Prost, who started in P2. After Prost overtook Senna at the start, the Brazilian made a decision that did not win him the popularity prize, but did win him his second world title: Senna immediately drove off Prost and handed off his statement to Balestre.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend, Mohammed Ben Sulayem indicated that he wants to tackle drivers' swearing over the team radio. In the press conference before the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Verstappen countered this - supported by Yuki Tsunoda - and used the word 'f*****'. The FIA immediately intervened, and even before qualifying, it was announced that Verstappen would receive a community service penalty. The Dutchman previously received a community service penalty in 2018 after he pushed Esteban Ocon a few times after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen and Ocon (who was a lap behind at the time) collided, after which Verstappen lost the lead of the race - and therefore a certain victory.

Verstappen - like Senna in 1990 - made a statement to the FIA. During the press conference after qualifying and the race, the three-time world champion decided to answer questions from the press, either bluntly, or not at all. Verstappen added that outside the press conference, journalists could count on extensive answers in the paddock.

Meanwhile, Verstappen received the support of other Formula 1 drivers within the paddock. Lewis Hamilton - one of the biggest rivals in Verstappen's career - already indicated that Verstappen should not do the community service penalty at all. And on top of that, Alexander Wurz - president of the drivers' union, the GPDA - has indicated that the drivers might talk to the FIA. But one thing is certain: like Senna, Verstappen is shaking up the entire F1 field.