Verstappen could work with race stewards as part of 'public service'

FIA president Jean Todt says that Max Verstappen's public service work could involve working with race stewards. Verstappen was ordered to do two days of work following his altercation with Esteban Ocon at the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Verstappen pushed the Frenchman several times post-race after the two came together on the circuit. Ocon was attempting to unlap himself from Verstappen, who was leading the race, however had to settle for second after Lewis Hamilton past him following the contact.

Verstappen was investigated and was handed two days of public service work. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, he stated that he had not yet been told what his work would involve, but that he wouldn't look like an idiot doing it.

Todt says that Verstappen's work should be supportive to the F1 world: "When you have these kinds of exposures, this kind of fame, it gives you also responsibilities,” said Todt. “So it means that whatever your emotions you must be able to control them. And to respect your supporters, to respect your word.

“If not you have some consequences. But I will say the consequences finally are quite small. Rightly so. What’ll it be, honestly nothing has been decided. But clearly it has to be something that will be supportive to the Formula 1 world, supportive to the racing world.

“Maybe a contribution to work closer with some stewards or some officials during some training, during some education groups. We have different things which are going to happen next year.

“Maybe participate [in] a group panel of stewards in another category of motorsport to put yourself in the other side and understand that it’s not always easy. But I’m sure we’ll find some constructive programmes.”