– Max Verstappen is known for not holding back when something bothers him. This became especially clear in the first half of this year’s Formula 1 season, when the four-time world champion heavily criticized the new regulations and was also not sparing with criticism of his own Red Bull team.
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Because it is important to the Dutchman to express his opinion openly and honestly. “I just want to be myself,” Verstappen makes clear in a recent interview with the BBC. “I know there is a lot of politics in Formula 1, and I also understand that there are political games between the teams.”
“You always represent your own point of view when it comes to where your team might have an advantage or not,” says the Red Bull driver, who has extended his contract until the end of 2030. “That’s normal. It’s the same with engines and chassis.”
“If things go well, they go well. If things go badly, they go badly. You will hear that from me because that’s how I work. And I don’t mince my words.” Verstappen has therefore repeatedly been accused of criticizing the new regulations mainly because he is currently not capable of winning.
Verstappen admits: “I am a winning machine”
“I am a winning machine when necessary,” the 28-year-old family man openly admits. Success in Formula 1 is very important to him, but it is by no means everything in his life. “I can also switch off and enjoy my life outside of racing.”
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“When it comes to racing, of course I am a winning machine. I demand a lot from the people in the team,” adds the Red Bull driver with clear words. “They in turn expect me to deliver performance and do my job as well as possible.”
“That’s what you get paid for after all. We have the same goal.” From the statements of the Red Bull driver, it becomes clear that the people around him always have to deal with clear messages. “Of course I can be very direct. But I like that,” says Verstappen.
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“That also corresponds to our culture,” adds the Formula 1 driver. “And that’s how I approach my life outside of Formula 1 as well, for example with my GT3 team. We don’t mince our words. At least in my opinion, you have to be like that to really get the best out of everyone.”
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