Interview with Max Verstappen: Show races have pushed Formula One to a critical moment
Exclusive: The Dutchman also discussed why he and Lewis Hamilton will never drive for the same team prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Formula One is at a “tipping point,” according to Max Verstappen, who has threatened to leave the sport if it deviates too much from its historical roots.
The quadruple world champion for Red Bull was vocal in his criticism of the “showbiz” aspect of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last week, calling it a “99 percent show and 1 percent sporting event” and claiming he was treated like a “clown” during the grand pre-race ceremony.
Verstappen emphasized this complaint in an interview with the Telegraph prior to this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, specifically targeting city circuits, sprint weekends, and the increasing amount of races scheduled.
We’ve reached a turning moment
,” he declared. Real courses are usually more enjoyable to drive in my opinion when it comes to circuits. What people say about street circuits is up for debate. Ultimately, though, that isn’t the proper place for a Formula One car. I’ve informed F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. It is imperative, in my opinion, that drivers talk to them about preserving the authenticity of racing. and that the exterior show isn’t the main focus. The sport itself must be our main priority.
Verstappen threatened to leave Formula One earlier this season if the competition made too many changes to its race weekends that were “not in the sport’s DNA.”
The 26-year-old was mostly referring to suggestions to add on that occasion.
Verstappen declared that he had not changed his mind and that if he thought it was all getting to be too much, he would quit sooner rather than later.
“Certainly,” he responded. “In any case, there are a ton more things available. You know, life is about more than just Formula One. One day you may wake up and say to yourself, “I want to do something different.”
Verstappen, who will be going for his 19th win in 22 races on Sunday, was asked if that would depend on whether he had a winning car. He said, “No, it’s not only about that.” It has to do with overall quality of life. since we are visiting so many different races.
Verstappen also addressed rumors that Lewis Hamilton reps had approached him during the interview Red Bull early in the year to talk about joining the team.
Red Bull to discuss joining the team early in the season.
It would be the ideal combination of drivers. A contemporary pairing to rival Nelson Piquet and Nige Mansell, or Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Not to mention a quick cure for a sport that is once again plagued by one driver and one team’s overwhelming dominance.
However, Max Verstappen is not one to be seduced by publicity. Furthermore, despite the desire of his supporters, he will not consider collaborating with his former rival Lewis Hamilton. When asked about allegations that the seven-time world champion’s representatives approached Red Bull earlier this year about a potential partnership, the triple world champion dismisses them, saying, “It would never work anyway.” The reports were initiated by his own team principal, Christian Horner, though Hamilton vehemently rejected them.
I ask, why not? For that reason, wouldn’t they resemble two stags fighting over the same prize? With all the carnage that comes with it, of course?
“Exactly,” he responds. “We would definitely be attempting to outdo one another. However, I believe it’s beneficial for us to be on different teams.
“What matters to me is that our competitors ensure they have the strength to contend with each other.” Otherwise, only one car would win the championship once more, regardless of who is parked next to whom. And as a fan, that’s not what you want.