Max Verstappen says his punishment for swearing is "ridiculous" after initially protesting against the penalty by giving short answers in an official news conference.

The Red Bull driver has been ordered by governing body the FIA to "accomplish some work of public interest" after using bad language to describe his car on Thursday.

After restricting his answers in the FIA news conference following Singapore Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, Verstappen agreed to speak to the media outside the room.

The world champion said: "I find it of course ridiculous what happened, so why should I then give full answers?

"Because it’s very easily apparent you get a fine or some kind of penalty.

"So I prefer not to speak a lot, save my voice. We can do the interviews also somewhere else if you need some answers or questions asked."