British television presenter Chris Harris has praised Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for his calm and approachable personality outside the racing circuit, challenging the perception many British fans hold. Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has secured his position among the sport’s all-time greats with his exceptional driving skills.
At just 27 years old, Verstappen has gained a strong global following due to his remarkable performances on the track. Despite this, his popularity within the United Kingdom remains relatively muted, as some fans there equate his intense racing style with a less likable personal demeanor.
In a widely viewed conversation lasting over thirty minutes, Harris and Verstappen discussed the nuances of the Dutch driver’s racing approach. Their talk, recorded for a Ford collaboration and featured on the “Chris Harris on Cars” podcast, revealed a side of Verstappen that many may not have seen before.
Harris was particularly impressed by Verstappen’s relaxed comportment throughout their interaction, expressing how surprised he was by the driver’s straightforward and down-to-earth nature. He commented,
“The thing you need to know about Max Verstappen is that most people in the UK have got him wrong. 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.” —Chris Harris, TV Personality
“And even more bizarrely, he’s actually aware of his talent, and he’s able to express what he’s doing. I have to say he was just super relaxed. He was a total joy to work with. He was everything people had told me he would be.” —Chris Harris, TV Personality
Verstappen’s blunt and direct responses to the media have sometimes been misunderstood, contributing to a reputation that does not fully reflect his interpersonal character.
Chris Harris Shows Sympathy for Verstappen’s Early Start and UK Criticism
Reflecting on Verstappen’s rapid ascent into Formula 1, Chris Harris revealed that he would have been protective of the driver if he were his own son. He remarked on the challenges Verstappen faced, especially given his young age when he entered the sport’s highest level without extensive experience in lower racing categories.
Harris addressed the skepticism many British fans hold toward Verstappen, labeling their viewpoint as “disappointing” and urging a reconsideration of the Dutchman’s persona beyond the racetrack.
“I just imagined if that was my boy, how protective I would have been towards him. Jos comes in for a lot of s**t, but he basically sent his kid into the viper nest at an age when most of us wouldn’t trust them to go for one night out on the piss in their local town. And look what he’s achieved. I think it’s remarkable.” —Chris Harris, TV Personality
“I hope that this disappointing UK view of Max changes a bit because you know what? What he does behind the wheel – he’s a ruthless winner. He’s there to win. But that doesn’t mean he’s a bad human being.” —Chris Harris, TV Personality
Verstappen often receives praise within the Formula 1 community from fellow drivers and team members for his willingness to assist younger racers and his openness in sharing insights into the sport.
Reevaluating Max Verstappen’s Image Beyond the Track
This conversation between Chris Harris and Max Verstappen sheds light on the contrast between Verstappen’s fierce competitiveness during races and his composed, approachable behavior off it. The disparity in perception, especially in the UK, suggests that fans might react more positively if they recognized this balance.
As Verstappen continues to strengthen his legacy in Formula 1, public understanding of his personality could evolve, aided by candid discussions like the one captured in Harris’s podcast. The dialogue offers an opportunity for fans and critics alike to separate racing aggression from personal character, potentially transforming Verstappen’s image in the eyes of British audiences and others who may have misjudged him.
