Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen revealed in a 2017 interview with The Guardian that his toughest critic in life is his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen. While many drivers have labeled the Dutchman as overly aggressive on track, Verstappen considers all other criticism minor in comparison. This insight sheds light on the mindset behind his often controversial driving style.
Early Career Moves and Aggressive Driving Style
Verstappen made a pivotal move in 2016 when he switched from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing midway through the Formula 1 season, replacing Daniil Kvyat before the Spanish Grand Prix. His impact was immediate, claiming victory in his very first race for Red Bull and quickly becoming known for his aggressive style. This assertiveness on the track has sparked criticism and clashes over the years but has remained a defining trait.
Notable Incidents and Rival Drivers’ Reactions
Throughout his early F1 career, Verstappen was involved in several notable incidents. At the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, a collision with Daniel Ricciardo forced Ricciardo to retire, prompting the Australian to call Verstappen a ‘sore loser.’ Another moment occurred during the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where Verstappen’s defensive move on the Kemmel straight against Kimi Raikkonen drew criticism for being overly aggressive.
Verstappen’s Perspective on Criticism and Maintaining His Style
Despite the backlash from fellow competitors, Verstappen remains steadfast in his approach. He stated,
“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
He also emphasized the importance of self-belief and consistency in one’s racing style, explaining,
“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
Verstappen is currently pursuing his fifth consecutive world championship, demonstrating how his confidence and driving philosophy have contributed significantly to his success.
Recent On-Track Controversies Involving Verstappen and Lando Norris
Max Verstappen’s aggressive style continued to be a talking point during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, where he engaged in a fierce battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris. The close contest saw the two drivers battling intensely over several laps, culminating in both going off-track and losing time. Despite Verstappen’s relentless defense, Norris eventually overtook him.
Lando Norris Critiques Verstappen’s Racing Decisions
After the Miami GP, Norris openly criticized Verstappen’s approach during their battle. He remarked,
“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
In that race, Norris finished second behind his teammate Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen came in fourth, trailing behind George Russell. The incident added to Verstappen’s challenging season, which has seen him receiving penalty points, including three for a collision with Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.
What Verstappen’s Criticism Reveals About His Career Outlook
Max Verstappen’s admission about his father being his biggest critic highlights the personal pressure he faces beyond the public eye. While other drivers and fans focus on his aggressive on-track conduct, it is Jos Verstappen’s assessments that drive him most. This internal standard may explain why Max continues to maintain his uncompromising style, despite the risks and criticism. His persistence and skill keep him at the center of Formula 1’s title contention, where each race tests both his talent and judgment under pressure.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Verstappen’s net worth is about $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth comes from endorsements, investments, and a high-paying Formula 1 salary. Before 2020, his earnings were relatively lower compared to other top F1 drivers.
Q. Did Max Verstappen apologize?
A. Christian Horner shared that Max Verstappen said he was sorry to the Red Bull team after crashing into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. This accident caused Verstappen to fall from 5th to 10th place because of 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. Determining whether Hamilton or Verstappen has a higher net worth can be complex. Factors like salary, endorsements, and investments all play a role. Hamilton reportedly earns more from endorsements, while both are highly paid for racing. Comparing their exact net worths isn’t straightforward due to private financial details.
Q. Who did Max Verstappen lose respect for?
A. Max Verstappen expressed that he no longer respects George Russell after their meeting with the stewards in Qatar about a qualifying event in Formula 1.
