Jose Mourinho's influence hits Formula One as world champion Max Verstappen uses ex-Chelsea boss' famous line when asked about sport's new swearing rules

F1's governing body FIA recently introduced a new swearing rule. Last year, Verstappen was charged under the law and forced to undergo community service in Rwanda after he used foul language during a press conference.

The driver was in London for the F1 75 live event on Tuesday, where he was asked to comment on the new regulations. Verstappen borrowed words from Mourinho's answer to a media question in 2014 after Chelsea's defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Following the loss, the then-Blues boss had famously told Sky Sports: "I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble. In big trouble. And I don’t want to be in big trouble.”

Responding to reporters, the world champion said: "I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise, I’ll get in trouble. If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough. I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.

"I have no intention of continuing any type of beef in February. I'm still enjoying my time away from F1. Honestly, I have nothing to say on that subject."

The Portuguese manager will be back on the sidelines this Thursday as Fenerbahce take on Anderlecht in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 play-off.