2 weeks Ago
The quadruple world champion's terse exchanges with the press intensified after a contentious 2024 penalty for swearing during a press conference, compounded by the FIA's broader crackdown on driver conduct. At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen's frustration peaked over a 5-second penalty for a first-corner incident, which he dismissed on team radio with a sarcastic, "That's bloody lovely." Beyond this, he refused to elaborate in any forum, stating at the FIA post-race press conference, "I know I cannot swear in here, but at the same time, you also can't be critical in any form that might 'harm' or 'danger'.
Let me get the sheet out—there's a lot of lines." Beyond the Jeddah penalty, Verstappen admitted a growing disinterest in engaging with the media. "I've been in the sport for so long, and at some point you know everyone," he told Viaplay.
"The less you say, the better it is. I just don't feel like talking to people that much." When Viaplay reporter Chiel van Koldenhoven suggested the 27-year-old might be tiring of Formula 1, Verstappen rebuffed the concern.
"You shouldn't be so concerned with that, to be honest," he responded. He elaborated, "You know, I'm in a phase where I'm not really interested in what other people write or think. I do my thing and live my life.
I come to the circuit and know that I'm doing my best when I get in the car. I work with the people in the factory, and then I go back home. That's when I live my life outside of Formula 1.
Of course I want to be fast and I want to do my best, but even if it doesn't work out, that's just the way it is. I still enjoy racing, but it's not like if things go badly here, I will take it home with me." Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde , a close acquaintance of the Verstappen family, praised the Dutchman's restrained reaction to the Jeddah penalty as a sign of growth.
"Before, he would really go crazy and give his opinion right away," van der Garde said. "Now, he just said 'lovely' and focused on the race again." Verstappen's interests have increasingly diversified beyond Formula 1 lately, encompassing his Redline sim racing team and the newly launched Verstappen.
com Racing GT team, which debuted days ago at Paul Ricard in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. When Viaplay asked if he envisions the team competing in prestigious events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours, Verstappen replied, "Absolutely, but step by step. I don't want to rush it.
Those are some serious circuits, and you need serious preparation for that. These shorter races—so three, four, six hours—are how to get more experience with the car. Step by step we want to participate in all those races.
" Verstappen confirmed that the Le Mans 24 Hours is among his team's long-term goals. "That would be ideal," he said, though he noted that his current Formula 1 commitments preclude personal participation for now. "If it doesn't clash with a Formula 1 race, then it could be combined, but on the other hand, I will not do it for another ten years," he explained.
"By then I will have more time for other things." He firmly ruled out skipping a grand prix for Le Mans, stating, "With what I do here now and the way I do it, I cannot do that. Absolutely not.
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