Max Verstappen has made it clear that he will not be changing his direct approach to communication with his team despite criticism of his aggressive radio comments during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen engaged in a candid exchange with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, during the race. Frustrated with the strategy that had been implemented, he said, “No mate, don’t give me that bulls*** now. You guys gave me this f***ing strategy, okay? I’m trying to rescue what’s left. F*** sake.” These remarks have ignited a debate over the appropriateness of his communication style.
Lewis Hamilton weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Verstappen should “act like a world champion” and remember his role as a teammate. Despite this, Verstappen remains steadfast in his approach. He stated, “People that don’t like my language don’t have to listen to it. Turn the volume down. I am very driven to success. I think I’ve proven that already.”
Verstappen believes that his bluntness is sometimes necessary to address real-time issues during races. He explained, “People can argue that you might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion. My opinion is that it needs to be said at the time to maybe also try and force the second pitstop [earlier]. [That] would have been a bit different. That’s how it goes.”
Despite the Hungarian Grand Prix’s frustrations, where he finished fifth after a clash with Hamilton, Verstappen prefers to move past the event. He criticized his Red Bull team for a strategy he deemed incorrect but acknowledged that striving for perfection in every race is exceptionally challenging. “When things are not going how they should have been, I think it’s quite normal that you can share your frustration with it,” he noted.
His relationship with his team remains strong, described as open-minded and mutually critical, a dynamic he believes contributes to their success. Verstappen emphasized that post-race discussions are pivotal for learning and improving: “After the meeting, it’s quite clear, you talk about that what we did was not optimal in terms of how we executed the race. We learn from it and you just move on.”
Looking ahead, Verstappen faces a 10-place grid drop due to an engine penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix. He accepts that this weekend will focus on minimizing damage rather than seeking victory, highlighting the unpredictability of racing: “A race can always be turned upside down within moments. So you have to be open-minded and try to make the best of it.”
Max Verstappen’s commitment to his straightforward communication style underscores his deep drive for success. While his methods may spark debate, his focus remains on performance and continuous improvement.
