Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is set to serve a penalty for swearing when he visits Rwanda next week.
The penalty coincides with the Dutch driver’s attendance at the FIA prize-giving gala in Kigali, marking the first time the event will be held in East Africa.
Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive championship in Las Vegas last month, was sanctioned for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in September. The governing body, the FIA, required him to perform “work of public interest” as part of his penalty.
The Red Bull driver will engage with young racing enthusiasts under the grassroots development program led by the Rwanda Automobile Club.
His activities will include work with the FIA Affordable Cross Car initiative, which uses locally built cars designed from blueprints provided by the governing body.
This year’s gala in Kigali represents a significant milestone for Formula 1 and motor racing in East Africa.
Rwanda has been actively developing its motorsport scene, hosting events and collaborating with the FIA to promote grassroots racing.
Verstappen’s penalty stems from a heated moment at the Singapore Grand Prix in September when Verstappen used offensive language during a press conference.
Verstappen’s on-track behavior has also been under scrutiny. In Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he received a 10-second penalty after a first-lap collision with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
The incident didn’t affect his championship standings, but it had significant implications for McLaren, who clinched the constructors’ title by a slim margin over Ferrari.
