Verstappen completes second day of FIA public service in Geneva

©FIA

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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.

Liuzzi impressed by Verstappen's public service attitude

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."

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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.