Max Verstappen hits back at haters as Red Bull ace 'not going to change' despite criticism
Max Verstappen has a defiant stance on his approach to F1 life.
Max Verstappen has fired back at critics who claim his outspoken views are negative for the sport, insisting that he is ‘not going to change’ because of others' opinions. The Dutchman took a robust stance on his personal views in 2024, refusing to back down when called out in the paddock.
For F1’s newly-crowned four-time world champion, 2024 was a year of defensive masterclasses and immense on-track consistency. However, while his driving was at times irresistible, Verstappen often found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons as well.
Aggressive manoeuvres in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi were heavily criticised and ultimately led to heavy time penalties, while his radio blasts during the Hungarian Grand Prix attracted widespread disapproval from pundits and even Mercedes driver George Russell.
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Then there was the swearing saga, which resulted in Verstappen receiving a community service punishment. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Toto Wolff, and Johnny Herbert were among those who took issue with the Dutchman’s language at the Singapore Grand Prix press conference, but the 27-year-old did not back down.
"I am not going to change this because of other people,” Verstappen told RacingNews365 when asked about his frank approach to the media. "Of course, there are always nicer moments and some not-nice moments.
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“But I'm outspoken, and that's how I am. When I feel like something is not right, and I have to say something about it, I will, and if not everyone agrees with it, that is fine. I mean, it is their opinion.
“I don't mind, I will live my life how I want to live it, and if not many people agree with that, it is fine. I don't live your life, I don't tell you how to live your life, but that is why we're on this planet.
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“We all live our lives in a different way, everyone has different professions, and of course, some people are very opinionated about others. I am probably not like that in terms of criticising others, but I live my life, and I am not going to change this because of other people."
