Max Verstappen‘s performance in the post-qualifying press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix was one of those moments which might yet come to define the season.
The Formula 1 world champion gave one- or two-word answers to questions posed by the media after he had qualified in second place for the race at the Marina Bay circuit.
It quickly became apparent this was in protest at having been served with a punishment by the FIA for swearing in a Thursday press conference.
Once aware, journalists asked how long he would maintain this stance of not giving full answers, and at one point he told the media in the room to ask him outside.
He held court in the paddock, taking questions where he answered in full and with honesty – once he was out of the FIA-run, and crucially filmed, press conference.
For many, it would be easy to claim it as petulant behaviour. Throwing his toys out of his …