Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur have clashing views on Max Verstappen’s heated radio outbursts.
- Verstappen’s frustration boiled over during the Hungarian Grand Prix after a time penalty and strategic blunders left him in fifth place.
- Hamilton believes drivers should set a better example and act like team leaders, especially World Champions.
- Vasseur contends that emotions run high in racing, comparing it to mic’d up football players, and urges understanding.
- Verstappen dismisses the criticism, advising those who disapprove to simply turn off the radio.
Max Verstappen’s temper flared at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Starting with a controversial instruction to let Lando Norris pass, Verstappen grew incensed with his team’s strategy, resulting in fiery radio exchanges.
During these exchanges, Verstappen expressed his frustrations bluntly, telling his race engineer, “No mate, don’t give me that s***. You guys gave me this s*** strategy, okay? I’m trying to rescue what’s left. F***!”
Post-race, Verstappen remained unapologetic, while Lewis Hamilton weighed in, saying drivers should remember their roles as leaders and act like World Champions. “You have to be a team leader, a team member,” Hamilton commented.
When asked to elaborate, Hamilton humorously responded that a World Champion shouldn’t act like Verstappen did in Hungary, suggesting more decorum and team spirit are needed.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s incoming team boss, disagreed with Hamilton. He pointed out that racing is intense and public team radio chats are unique to this sport. He compared the situation to mic’d up football players who might not fare any better.
Vasseur suggested that either the mic’d up aspect should be reconsidered, or fans should accept the high-pressure language as part of the show. He plans to discuss this perspective further with Hamilton.
The F1 Commission also addressed radio conduct, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali urging teams to manage their drivers’ on-air language better, given its global broadcast.
Max Verstappen, unfazed by the criticism, doubled down on his stance. He told media that his outspoken approach is about striving for success and improvement, and that critics should simply mute his radio if they’re offended.
“People that don’t like my language – then don’t listen in, turn the volume down,” Verstappen said, emphasizing that his critical nature is key to his and Red Bull’s success. He believes constructive criticism is vital and will continue his forthright communication.
The debate over team radio etiquette highlights differing perspectives on racing conduct and leadership.
Source: Planetf1
