F1 hero Martin Brundle has advised Max Verstappen to think about the ‘responsibility’ that comes with being such an influential figure before swearing ‘gratuitously’.

Brundle accepts that bad language in the heat of the moment is unavoidable but Verstappen landed himself in hot water for swearing during a press conference in Singapore.

The FIA handed him a form of community service as punishment but Verstappen hit back by answering questions bluntly in an official press conference and staging his own media congregation in the paddock.

“They are icons, champions, opinion formers, and they should think about the responsibility which comes with that privilege, especially with so many young fans watching,” Brundle wrote for Sky Sports.

“Nobody wants to take any energy, emotion, or freedom of speech out of it, but gratuitous swearing away from the heat of the moment is not necessary.”