Max Verstappen told to 'behave properly' as Fernando Alonso agrees with Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen went to war with the FIA over rules around swearing after dropping the F-bomb in an F1 press conference, resulting in a community service punishment

Fernando Alonso has said Formula 1 drivers should "behave properly" amid the ongoing swearing row with the FIA.

Max Verstappen was punished in Singapore last month for using bad language in an F1 press conference. The F1 stewards decided he needed to "undertake some work of public interest" to make up for his actions - essentially a sentence of community service.

That punishment sparked a furious reaction from the Red Bull racer who protested against the FIA by not properly answering questions the next time he took part in an official media session. And he was backed by many of his fellow racers, including Lewis Hamilton who said he would not serve the penalty if he were Verstappen.

The Dutchman said many other drivers were "almost laughing" about the punishment given to him, but Alonso thinks it is a serious topic. Speaking at a sponsor event, the Aston Martin driver said it was important that drivers show "proper" behaviour when on duty.

The Spaniard said: "I've met a lot of fans around the world who follow Formula 1 and they always tell you that you are their inspiration. This kind of thing reminds us that there are a lot of people watching us. When you are a driver, you have to behave properly.

"The fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but also a lot of responsibility for what they expect from you. You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don't too. When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself and be politically correct.

"When you're on that day when you don't want to train or prepare for the next Grand Prix, you have to do it because it's your responsibility to your fans and the people who believe in you."

His comments echoed those of Hamilton earlier this season, who aimed a pointed dig at Verstappen after the Dutchman told his critics to "f*** off" in a post-race media session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Though he did not mention Verstappen by name, Hamilton indirectly called for his old F1 title rival to conduct himself more properly. The Mercedes driver said: "You have to be a team leader, a team member. Maybe not such a team leader, but just always remember you're a team-mate with lots of people and you have to act like a World Champion."

And it was when he was asked to explain what he meant by that last comment that he took that swipe at Verstappen. Hamilton replied: "That's a good question... Not like it was last weekend."

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