Formula E public service labeled as 'constructive' by Verstappen

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Max Verstappen was on FIA duty at yesterday's Marrakesh ePrix and qualified the day he spent with the stewards as "interesting and constructive".

The Red Bull driver fulfilled in Morocco his first day of public service, an FIA mandated task handed to him as a result of his post-race run-in with Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix last November.

It wasn't a 'hands on' duty however, the Dutchman confined to the role of observer in order to better understand the responsibilities and processes of the stewards.

"It’s interesting to see it from the other side. Normally you can’t spend an entire day with the stewards!" he said in an FIA statement.

"Everybody does their own job during the weekend, and it’s good to really see what it takes to make these important decisions.

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"Sometimes a decision might not be nice for a certain person but it has to be taken and you have to follow the rules.

"I think it’s good to experience different things in racing rather than just sitting in the car. To be here and do this kind of work has been a constructive thing for me."

The day also offered Verstappen an opportunity to get a closer look at Formula E itself, a series he branded as "cool".

"I’ve of course followed Formula E a bit on TV but I’ve never been in the paddock, and I really enjoyed the day.

“First of all it was a really exciting race. The championship is clearly growing and there are a lot of manufacturers here, so I think it’s a cool series."

Verstappen will complete a second day of public service at some point in the coming months, but the FIA has yet to reveal the venue or function the Dutchman will serve.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.