Max Verstappen to Participate in Grassroots Activity in Rwanda Following FIA Punishment
- Verstappen to Do Community Service in Rwanda
- F1 Champ Punished for Minor Infraction
- Activity Part of FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, is set to engage in a public interest activity in Rwanda as part of a penalty imposed by the sport’s governing body, the FIA.
The Dutch driver, who was handed the punishment following a transgression at the Singapore Grand Prix, described the sanction as “ridiculous” when it was initially announced. The penalty was confirmed after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the FIA revealed that Verstappen’s public service obligation would coincide with the FIA’s prize-giving ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, next week.
As part of his mandatory participation in the FIA prize-giving, Verstappen, along with the top three drivers in the F1 World Championship, is required by regulations to attend the ceremony. Verstappen’s penalty, however, has been added to this trip, requiring him to complete an additional task in Rwanda.
According to a statement from the FIA, the activity will involve Verstappen working with junior competitors as part of a grassroots development initiative organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC). The statement also noted that the activity would include the use of an FIA affordable cross car, which was locally built in Rwanda by the RAC based on blueprints provided by the FIA.
The FIA’s decision to impose this penalty, along with a fine for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc over a similar offense at the Mexico City Grand Prix, prompted a response from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). In an open letter, the GPDA expressed their dissatisfaction with the punishment and called on the FIA to treat the drivers with more respect, referring to the FIA’s handling of the issue as lacking maturity. The letter also criticized FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his “tone and language” in addressing the matter, further fueling tensions between F1 drivers and the governing body.
Verstappen’s visit to Kigali, set to coincide with the FIA’s prestigious event, will now include his involvement in promoting the development of young drivers and supporting grassroots motorsport in Rwanda.
