F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen completes second day of FIA public service in Geneva

Max Verstappen undertook the second of his two-day public service duties with the FIA on Saturday, attending an International Stewards Programme in Geneva.

The Red Bull driver's presence in Switzerland was a result of an FIA penalty handed to the Dutchman for his post-race conduct at the Brazilian Grand Prix last November, when Verstappen lashed out at Esteban Ocon in Parc Fermé after the two had clashed during the race.

Verstappen was subsequently sanctioned with two days of public service, the first of which he assumed earlier this year at the Marrakesh ePrix where he spent a day as an observer with the event's stewards.

In Geneva, the 21-year-old had an opportunity to meet and interact with stewards from various motorsport disciplines and participate in a discussion involving a competitors' panel that included BMW motorsport boss Jens Marquart and Would Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx.

The various groups debated practical aspects of stewarding, such as decision-making procedures, issuing results, dealing with penalties and appeals and relevant course of actions involving race incidents.

©FIA

"We are doing our job on the track, trying to get the best out of the race, and it’s clear that the stewards are doing their job to find the best way to reach a fair decision," Verstappen said, commenting on his day.

"It’s been a good lesson for me and I’ve learned a lot, both in my day in Marrakesh, which I really enjoyed and which gave me a good understanding of the stewards, and now here.

"I think it’s also good to be a part of this event."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Mercedes ‘ticking all the boxes’ but Russell dismisses title hype

Three races into the 2026 season, and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell find themselves in…

3 minutes ago

A grid of opportunity: BYD considers leap into Formula 1!

In Formula 1, whispers often travel faster than the cars themselves. And lately, one name…

1 hour ago

How Hadjar engineered his leap to ‘weird’ Red Bull seat

During his 2025 rookie season in F1, Isack Hadjar carried himself with a calm, almost…

3 hours ago

Horner in Jerez: Surprise MotoGP visit sparks ownership rumors

The asphalt at Jerez was already sizzling on Saturday, but the temperature in the MotoGP…

21 hours ago

Michele Alboreto: Ferrari's last Italian winner

On this day in 2001, the world of motorsport mourned the loss of Michele Alboreto,…

23 hours ago

Ouch! Alesi spins vintage F1 Ferrari into Monaco barrier

Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve during…

24 hours ago