Chris Harris, the former Top Gear presenter and respected automotive journalist, has highlighted a notable shift in how Max Verstappen is viewed in the UK. The four-time Formula 1 world champion has recently gained a surge of genuine admiration among British fans, a change that Harris attributes to Verstappen’s authenticity and talent both on and off the track.
The Growing Respect for Max Verstappen in the UK
On his “Chris Harris on Cars” podcast, Harris reflected on the unexpected transformation in public opinion surrounding Verstappen. He described how the podcast, initially unrelated, gradually became a platform celebrating the Dutch driver’s appeal. Harris remarked,
“How did this podcast become the Max Verstappen Appreciation Society? I don’t know how it happened, but I do believe we’re part of a groundswell of appreciation for Max in the UK that wasn’t there maybe even six months ago, because you just got to recognise when someone’s doing it the right way and they’re just cool as hell.”
He further emphasized Verstappen’s natural charisma compared to his peers, stating,
“That’s the great thing for me is that there’s lots of F1 drivers out there trying to be cool, but one of them isn’t trying to be cool. And because he’s not trying, he’s just cool as f***. He’s the coolest.”
Recent Performances Reinforce Verstappen’s Standing
This renewed admiration follows Verstappen’s notable victory in a GT3 race at the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie’s Nordschleife circuit. He achieved this success alongside British co-driver Chris Lulham, further cementing Verstappen’s versatility and competitive edge beyond Formula 1.
Harris commented on these developments:
“So, I think over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a demonstration of maybe the person that might be the best Formula 1 driver currently on the grid.”
Joining Harris on the podcast, film producer Manish Pandey praised Verstappen’s forward-thinking approach to his career. Pandey observed,
“I think the thing I love about Max is this, it’s what he does, but at the same time, he has an ability to be one step ahead. You know, the fatal flaw of so many sportsmen is that they’re in what they do and then they kind of come to the end of what they do and haven’t really planned what they’re going to do.”
He continued by considering the challenges athletes face transitioning beyond their primary sport:
“And what we see with Max as a man, he really is ploughing his own furrow, isn’t he? He’s working out his future and keeping that future racing.”
Changing Misconceptions About Verstappen in the UK
For years, much of the UK’s perception of Max Verstappen has been colored by his portrayal on Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” where he was often cast as a controversial figure. Harris challenged this widespread viewpoint, insisting that many British fans have misunderstood the champion’s personality and intentions.
Reflecting on this disconnect, Harris said,
“The thing you need to know about Max Verstappen is that most people in the UK have got him wrong, and that’s why I suppose I’m not proud of the film, but I think we’ve not done a job in repositioning how people think about him.”
He elaborated on Verstappen’s genuine nature, noting,
“That would be too cynical. What we’ve done is we’ve let you see who he is. And frankly, he’s one of us. He’s a very, very uncomplicated man who happens to have been born with a set of skills to drive a racing car in a manner that none of us can really understand.”
Impact and Future Outlook for Verstappen’s Image
The transformation in Verstappen’s UK reputation is significant not only for the driver himself but for Formula 1’s broader appeal in the region. As Harris points out, the growing admiration stems from witnessing Verstappen’s authentic character combined with his unmatched skill behind the wheel.
This trend could influence how fans engage with F1, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of drivers beyond media portrayals. Verstappen’s continued success, both in Formula 1 and other motorsport disciplines alongside drivers like Chris Lulham, is likely to deepen this appreciation.
With his sharp focus on both present performance and future plans, Verstappen exemplifies a new standard for professional athletes who balance competitive excellence with thoughtful career management, resonating strongly within the UK racing community and beyond.
