SINGAPORE (AP) — Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen gave only brief answers at a news conference on Saturday in an apparent protest against series governing body the FIA for punishing him for swearing.

Soap opera continues as usually talkative Verstappen suddenly claims 'problems with my voice' during Saturday press availability in Singapore.

Max Verstappen says his punishment for swearing is "ridiculous" after protesting against the penalty during an official news conference.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushed forward with the notion that the drivers needed to curtail their language over their radios.

Lando Norris has edged ahead of his title rival Max Verstappen to start on pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix

McLaren is ahead of Red Bull in the Formula 1 constructors’ race. Now for Lando Norris to put pressure on Max Verstappen for the drivers’ title. Oscar Piastri’s win last week at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix put McLaren top in the teams’ standings — the key to F1’s lavish prize money — but teammate Norris only took a small bite out of Verstappen’s lead.

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was on Friday punished for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference by governing body the FIA.

McLaren driver Lando Norris and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton have openly criticized the punishment handed to Max Verstappen for swearing during the press conference on Thursday ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Max Verstappen has not won a race since Barcelona this season. The Singapore Grand Prix also remains as the only F1 circuit on the calendar where he is yet to claim a victory. The Dutchman remains certain that he will not take the victory this year either.

Max Verstappen has hit back at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's plans to limit the amount of swearing on team radio in Formula 1, questioning the logic behind curbing drivers' language during intense moments of competition.