Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is no stranger to controversy, and his latest comments have only added fuel to the fire. Following a turbulent 2024 season, in which Verstappen faced multiple penalties, including one for using foul language during an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, the Dutchman has proposed a cheeky hack to navigate the FIA’s latest swearing regulations.

In 2024, Verstappen’s outspoken personality and on-track incidents attracted the attention of the FIA, resulting in several penalties. The most high-profile incident occurred in Singapore when Verstappen, visibly frustrated with his Red Bull car’s performance, let slip a string of expletives during a press conference. His outburst ignited a debate that quickly spread throughout the motorsport world, drawing attention to the FIA’s updated stance on offensive language.

Despite his frequent run-ins with the governing body, Verstappen’s driving prowess couldn’t be denied. He clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing yet another dominant season. However, the FIA’s tighter control over drivers’ language in public has now made Verstappen and his peers adjust their behavior off the track.

The FIA’s recent decision to crack down on swearing and inappropriate language in the Formula 1 paddock is part of a broader effort to maintain professionalism and uphold the sport’s image. The new rule comes with potential fines for drivers who fail to adhere to the language guidelines, which has sparked mixed reactions from the F1 community.

For Verstappen, who’s known for his unfiltered and candid style, this rule presents a challenge. However, true to his rebellious nature, Verstappen found a humorous workaround. During a press interaction at the season launch in London, the Dutchman jokingly suggested a potential hack to dodge the FIA’s crackdown: “Maybe I should just start swearing in Dutch and not in English,” he said with a grin. “Or in Limburgish, that’s even better. What is an example of a swear word in Limburgish? Of course, I’m not going to say that now!”

While Verstappen’s comment was obviously playful, it reflects the growing frustration among drivers about the new restrictions on language. The FIA’s policy on swearing is seen by some as a step too far in regulating drivers’ personalities and expressions. F1 is a high-pressure sport, and drivers like Verstappen often wear their emotions on their sleeves. Their candid remarks and passionate reactions have been a part of what makes the sport so engaging for fans.

Despite the joking tone, Verstappen’s comment also highlights how the new regulations may affect the authenticity of the sport. The drivers’ personalities, their spontaneous interactions, and even their frustration can often be just as compelling as their on-track performances. The FIA’s attempt to sanitize this aspect of the sport is bound to be a point of contention, particularly for those who argue that the sport should embrace the raw emotions of its athletes.

As the 2025 season approaches, Verstappen and the other 19 drivers will need to adjust to the new FIA rules on language. While Verstappen’s playful suggestion to switch to a different language may have been a joke, the reality is that F1’s athletes now face a new set of challenges in how they present themselves off the track. Verstappen, ever the professional when it matters most, will likely adapt, but his approach to the rule change indicates that he’s not about to let the FIA’s crackdown stifle his character.

As the sport readies itself for another exciting season, the swearing ban adds a new layer to the off-track drama that fans have come to love. With Verstappen’s cheeky proposal and his quick wit, it’s clear that the reigning champion isn’t backing down easily, even when faced with the governing body’s attempts to put a lid on his outbursts.

With the 2025 season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Verstappen, not only for his performance on the track but also for how he navigates the FIA’s new rules. If one thing is for sure, Max Verstappen is never one to be easily contained—whether it’s by the competition or by the rules themselves.