Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has been punished for swearing in a news conference in which he argued against greater restrictions on drivers swearing.

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.

Max Verstappen has been told to “accomplish some work of public interest” in an odd ruling by the stewards after swearing during Thursday’s FIA press conference in Singapore. The Red Bull driver, who leads this year’s world championship by 59 points to Lando Norris, has not won in seven races and struggled last week in Azerbaijan.