Team advisor Helmut Marko has delivered a scathing assessment of Max Verstappen's performance in a telling admission of the RB20's struggles. The three-time champion finished Friday's second practice session in a dismal 15th place, a staggering 1.294 seconds behind pace-setter and championship rival Lando Norris.

Mercedes's seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took issue with the FIA's comparison to rappers, saying there was a 'racial element' at play.

Max Verstappen suggested he could turn his back on Formula One sooner than expected if the sport's governing body stopped him having fun and being himself. Red Bull's triple world champion was ordered by stewards to do "work of public interest" with the FIA after he used a swear word in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last Thursday.

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.