Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 World Champion, is known for his blunt and straightforward demeanor. This was something former Formula 2 racer Clement Novalak experienced firsthand.
Novalak was surprised when Verstappen not only recognized him but also gave direct feedback regarding his performance in a qualifying session.
Initial Encounter with Verstappen
Now competing in LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series and IMSA, Clement Novalak advanced to Formula 2 in late 2021 and completed a full season with MP Motorsport in 2022. It was during this time that he met Verstappen. Though the specific race weekend was not mentioned, Novalak recounted being astonished as Verstappen knew exactly who he was and pointed out a mistake he’d made in the qualifying session.
Novalak shared his admiration for Verstappen on the Track Limits podcast, stating, ‘I personally love Max, in the sense like he’s a no bulls**t driver. He comes to the track, gets in the car, drives, and f**ks off.’ This blunt approach does not sit well with everyone, but Novalak found it refreshing and genuine.
Blunt and Honest Feedback
During their initial encounter, Verstappen remarked, ‘If you hadn’t f**ked up Sector 2 in qualifying, you could have done a much better job, mate. You could have been top five!’ Novalak was taken aback, initially thinking, ‘You know who the f**k I am?!’ This candid feedback led to a half-hour conversation about racing between the two.
Novalak was impressed that a reigning world champion like Verstappen would take the time to engage in such a detailed discussion. He noted that few drivers at Verstappen’s level offer such interactions, making the experience even more memorable.
Verstappen’s Passion for Racing
Verstappen’s love for motorsport is well-documented, backed by his actions in recent years. In 2022, he launched his own racing team, ‘Verstappen.com Racing,’ in collaboration with Red Bull. This venture merges various racing formats, including sim racing through Team Redline and real-world GT3 racing and rallying.
Team Redline boasts a cutting-edge simulator facility in Tilburg, Netherlands, where Verstappen participates whenever his F1 schedule permits. Additionally, Jos Verstappen and Thierry Vermeulen race under the Verstappen.com banner in rallying and GT3, further showcasing the team’s diverse involvement in motorsport.
Verstappen has stated, ‘Racing has always been my biggest passion in life, from the moment I first stepped into a go-kart until today. Besides my own Formula 1 career, racing is what I dedicate most of my time to.’ This sentiment underscores his deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Verstappen.com Racing’s Goals
The founding of Verstappen.com Racing reflects Verstappen’s aim to share his passion for motorsport with like-minded drivers and teams. He sees this venture as an opportunity to impart his extensive racing knowledge to others, assisting them in improving their skills.
Verstappen mentioned, ‘I am truly happy that, with the Verstappen.com Racing team, I can share the love for racing with drivers and teams I feel closely connected to.’ This demonstrates his commitment to fostering growth and development within the motorsport community.
Unique Attributes of Verstappen
Novalak emphasized that Verstappen is one of the few drivers who remains unchanged by fame or success. His straightforward nature and genuine love for the sport set him apart from many of his peers in Formula 1.
This unfiltered approach has made Verstappen a standout figure in motorsport, as he remains dedicated to the core aspects of racing rather than getting bogged down by the peripheral elements of fame.
Verstappen’s direct communication style is often misunderstood, but it is something that those who know him well appreciate deeply. In a sport full of polished public relations, Verstappen’s honesty is a breath of fresh air.
Insight from Novalak’s Experience
Novalak’s interaction with Verstappen provided a unique insight into how the F1 champion operates both on and off the track. This encounter not only highlighted Verstappen’s keen awareness of other drivers but also his willingness to offer constructive criticism.
Such interactions are rare in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where drivers are often guarded. Verstappen’s willingness to connect and share advice shows a different, more personal side to his competitive persona.
Impact of Verstappen’s Feedback
The feedback from Verstappen had a significant influence on Novalak, serving as a valuable learning experience. It underscores the importance of honest, straightforward communication in the development of competitive racing skills.
Novalak’s recounting of the experience serves as a testament to Verstappen’s influence and highlights how even brief interactions can have lasting impacts on fellow racers.
This story illustrates Max Verstappen’s unique approach to racing and personal interactions. His blunt, honest feedback and genuine passion for motorsport make him a distinctive and respected figure in Formula 1.
For Clement Novalak, the encounter with Verstappen provided valuable insights and reaffirmed the importance of straightforwardness in racing. Verstappen’s no-nonsense attitude continues to leave a lasting impression on those he meets.
