Todt: Max should be a steward for a day

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Jean Todt: Max Verstappen should be a steward for a day

Jean Todt: Max Verstappen should be a steward for a day

As Formula 1 awaits word on what Max Verstappen’s public service days will entail, Jean Todt has suggested making him a race steward for a day so that he can experience the “other side.”

Verstappen earned himself two days of public service for physically shoving Esteban Ocon in the wake of the Brazilian GP, a race in which the Frenchman’s efforts to unlap himself cost Verstappen the win.

The Red Bull driver’s punishment is unprecedented, leaving many to wonder what exactly the FIA will have him doing.

Verstappen has made it clear he won’t be made to embarrass himself.

“I’m definitely not going to look silly,” he said. “I think anyway I’m already very hard-treated by that, so we’ll find something suitable, because I’m not going to look like an idiot.”

However, with Todt’s suggestion he won’t be made to look like a fool, instead he may just learn something.

“When you have these kinds of exposures, this kind of fame, it gives you also responsibilities,” the FIA president told Sky F1.

“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.”

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