Max Verstappen urged to snub FIA and take Lewis Hamilton's advice

Max Verstappen should take Lewis Hamilton's advice and refuse to serve the punishment handed out by the FIA, according to a new poll.

The three-time world champion, who celebrated his 27th birthday today, has been ordered to undertake "work of public interest" for swearing in a press conference - a decision that has been widely condemned across Formula 1.

It comes after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem claimed he wanted to crack down on bad language ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, saying: "We're not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That's them and we are [us]."

Shortly after, Verstappen used the word 'f****d' to describe his car during the Drivers' press conference, which is broadcast live on TV. He was later summoned to the stewards for using the X-rated word and learned his fate.

But when asked if Verstappen should refuse to do the 'community service' ordered by the FIA, over 2,500 Express readers rushed to cast their vote - and it's clear there is support for the Red Bull star.

In total, 61 per cent of respondents said Verstappen should refuse to carry out his involuntary FIA duties, while 39 per cent voted that the Dutchman should adhere to his punishment.

On a wider scale, F1 fans were also asked if drivers should be penalised for swearing in press conferences and on the team radio, with 54 per cent voting 'No'. Only 17 per cent said the FIA's strict regulations should apply in both areas.

However, just over a quarter of fans - 28 per cent - believed that the punishment should be reserved only for the press conferences - meaning profanities would be allowed on the team radio.

Verstappen has received support from his fellow F1 drivers, in particular Lewis Hamilton, who has voiced his opposition to the FIA's hardline approach to driver behaviour in the past.

The Mercedes star, 39, also stated he would not serve his punishment and urged Verstappen to consider taking a similar stance.

"It is a bit of a joke, to be honest," the Mercedes driver said of the punishment dished out. "This is the pinnacle of the sport, mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn't be doing it and I hope Max doesn't do it."

Verstappen's father and former F1 racer Jos Verstappen also hit out at the FIA's decision to bring the hammer down on his son.

"I think that is the most ridiculous thing," Verstappen Snr told Autosport. "I don't think the FIA is doing a very good job. But I won't say too much about this!"

Verstappen's penalty drew a strong response from Alex Wurz, another former F1 driver who is now chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. The Austrian believes there is some hypocrisy involved, pointing to ex-Haas boss' Guenther Steiner's liberal use of expletives which were used in the popular Netflix docuseries 'Drive to Survive'.