Max Verstappen sets the record straight on his sim racing activities amidst Grand Prix debates.
- Rumors had circulated that Verstappen was banned from sim racing during race weekends.
- Verstappen firmly denies these bans, emphasizing his control over his personal time.
- He reassures fans that his hobby does not impact his race performance.
- Verstappen anticipates challenges at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix due to potential penalties.
Max Verstappen, the energetic Formula 1 driver, has faced recent scrutiny over his passion for sim racing, particularly after a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix. Rumors swirled that his late-night racing habit led to his unexpected performance dip and alleged radio frustration. However, Verstappen, ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, has been clear with the media, denying any imposed ban on his sim racing activities. He emphasized it’s all part of his routine, saying, “It’s not something new, and for me, it’s something very important in my life.” He confirmed there’s no upcoming sim racing to worry about and dismissed the notion that it affected his race.
Verstappen candidly addressed the whispers, noting, “When you don’t win the race, you will always blame it on: ‘Ah, you were staying up until 3am, or I was one kilo overweight.’” He points out the tendency to find scapegoats in explanations for less-than-ideal race outcomes. Max further bolstered his point by mentioning his victories in Imola, implying that sim racing doesn’t interfere with his professional readiness. He openly shared, “I’ve been doing this since 2015… I’ve won three World Championships, I think I know pretty well what I can and what I cannot do.”
Further clarifying the situation, Verstappen dispelled any notion of pressure from Red Bull’s Helmut Marko regarding his sim racing. “It’s not that I have a ban or whatever,” he expressed, acknowledging the discussions they had while maintaining his stance on personal freedom. He also reminded observers that his teammates are not required to disclose their personal activities during race weekends to management.
As Verstappen heads to the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit, buzz surrounds the likelihood of him facing a grid penalty due to a potential new power unit installation. This circumstance presents an additional hurdle as the forecast suggests a wet race, amplifying the difficulty of the Belgian course. Nevertheless, Verstappen seems poised to tackle these issues with his characteristic determination.
Refuting rumors and clarifying his stance, Verstappen is ready to face Belgium’s racing challenges confidently.
