In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen identified his father, Jos Verstappen, as his harshest critic, rather than his Formula 1 competitors. Despite early criticism for his aggressive driving style from fellow racers, Verstappen remained firm in his approach to racing and self-belief. This candid admission sheds light on the family dynamic influencing Verstappen’s career and his steadfast attitude amid external pressures.
Transition to Red Bull and Early Aggressive Reputation
Max Verstappen stepped up from Toro Rosso to the Red Bull Racing team halfway through the 2016 season, taking over Racing alongside a mid-season driver swap that sent Daniil Kvyat back to the junior team. Right from his debut race with Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen secured a win, marking a significant milestone and cementing his place as a bold and aggressive competitor in F1. This reputation of assertive driving stuck with him well into subsequent seasons.
Instances of On-Track Controversy and Criticism
Throughout his early career, Verstappen’s aggressive tactics often led to clashes and sharp reactions from other drivers. A notable example occurred at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, when Verstappen collided with teammate Daniel Ricciardo, forcing Ricciardo to retire and prompting comments labeling Verstappen a “sore loser.” Another moment of contention came at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix on the Kemmel Straight, where Verstappen’s defensive driving against Kimi Räikkönen drew criticism from several corners for being overly aggressive.
Verstappen’s Reaction to Outside Opinions on His Driving
Despite criticisms from peers, Verstappen remained unshaken, explaining that his biggest challenge comes from internal expectations, particularly those of his father. He emphasized the importance of focusing on self-confidence rather than external judgment.
“The biggest critic I have in my life is my dad so everything else is just a breeze; it doesn’t really matter to me.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
He further elaborated on the necessity of maintaining one’s driving style regardless of the increased scrutiny in Formula 1:
“As a driver it is important to focus on yourself and believe in yourself and there shouldn’t be a reason why, when you are in F1 and there is more attention, you change your approach.”
—Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
Recent Racing Incidents and Penalty Point Consequences
Continuing his aggressive approach in the 2025 season, Verstappen found himself involved in high-profile battles, including a collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix that earned him three penalty points. Such incidents highlight ongoing tensions between his competitive style and race regulations, intensifying the pressure on the champion who is vying for his fifth consecutive world title this year.
Lando Norris Critiques Verstappen’s Tactics After Miami Duel
The recent Miami Grand Prix witnessed a fierce wheel-to-wheel confrontation between Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Throughout several laps, Verstappen aggressively defended his position, forcing both drivers off the track and compromising their pace. Although Norris eventually overtook Verstappen, the Dutch driver’s risky defense was met with frustration from the McLaren driver.
“It was fine. He’s fighting hard, but it’s up to him to do that. He’s ruining his own race. He’s not racing very smart. We probably could have finished 1-2, and he didn’t because of that. So yeah, he’s fighting, that is always expected, but that’s what it is.”
—Lando Norris, F1 Driver
Ultimately, Norris secured second place behind teammate Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen finished fourth, trailing behind George Russell, underscoring the costly consequences of his aggressive defense.
Implications for Verstappen’s Career and Future Races
Max Verstappen’s admission about his father’s role as his main critic offers valuable insight into the mental and emotional challenges behind his high-pressure career. His persistent aggressive style continues to attract both criticism and results, fueling ongoing debate among fans and competitors. As Verstappen competes for further championships, how he balances this internal pressure with the expectations of Formula 1 authorities and rival drivers will likely shape his legacy in the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Max Verstappen’s net worth is about $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has earned his money from endorsements, investments, and a high Formula 1 salary. Before 2020, his salary was not as much as some of the other top drivers in F1.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said sorry to the Red Bull team. This came after his crash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. The collision caused Verstappen to fall from 5th to 10th place after a 10-second penalty.
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. To identify who is wealthier between Hamilton and Verstappen, compare their earnings, including salaries, endorsements, and other income sources.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen expressed that he “lost all respect” for George Russell after a meeting with the stewards in Qatar about a qualifying issue in Formula 1.