Max Verstappen took to social media to apologise for the language he used in criticising Formula 1’s stewards in the wake of his United States Grand Prix penalty last Sunday.
Verstappen hit out at FIA officials after being stripped of his third place for overtaking outside of the track limits on the final lap at Austin last weekend, declaring that decisions like it were “killing the sport”.
He also took aim at one steward in particular, widely understood to be Garry Connelly, calling him an “idiot” and a “mongol” after the race.
In the aftermath of that grand prix, Verstappen told reporters he “didn’t mean to hurt anyone” with his remarks, though he has continued to stand by his criticism of the five-second penalty he received at Austin.
Verstappen conceded ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix that “I could have used different words” in making his point, while F1 race director Charlie Whiting said “it would be nice” if Verstappen apologised for his Austin outburst.
Verstappen has responded with an apology on Instagram, suggesting he already said sorry during the FIA press conference and reiterating that he regrets his choice of language.
“Further to what I said in the FIA Press Conference earlier today, I would once again like to apologise for the language that I used following the US Grand Prix,” posted Verstappen.
“My comments were made in the heat of the moment. I know that the words I used were inappropriate and they were not directed at any one person.
“I certainly did not mean to cause any offence and I hope we can move on and enjoy this race weekend.”