Max Verstappen, the current Formula 1 world champion, openly expressed his distaste for red carpet appearances, reinforcing his well-known tendency to avoid large social functions. At a recent event, he described these glamorous gatherings as “horrible,” emphasizing his discomfort with the atmosphere and forced interactions. This candid remark highlights Verstappen’s preference to stay away from the artificiality that often comes with such high-profile settings.
On June 16, during the premiere of F1: The Movie at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, most top Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and George Russell, were present. However, Verstappen was noticeably absent. When asked by The Sun about his feelings on red carpet events, the 27-year-old stated:
“I don’t like to be on the red carpet and dress up in a suit. I don’t like to interact with people that I don’t really know, and have a fake smile and fake chat. It’s horrible, I just don’t enjoy it.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
While Verstappen did not attend the premiere, Red Bull was represented on the red carpet by team principal Christian Horner and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Interestingly, Verstappen appears multiple times in the film, which features Brad Pitt portraying Sonny Hayes, a driver for the fictional APXGP racing team, alongside Damson Idris’s character, Joshua Pearce.
Struggles and Strategy Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix
Verstappen’s challenges extended beyond social events, as his qualifying session for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring fell short of expectations. He qualified seventh after a late yellow flag disruption prevented a better time. This starting position places him behind notable drivers such as Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Liam Lawson.
Reflecting on the qualifying session, Verstappen commented:
“Let’s see, I mean, yesterday was indeed a bit unlucky with that yellow flag, but we will try to have a good race, you know, hopefully we can overtake a few car, make it exciting out there and just enjoy the day.”
—Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
Currently third in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship with 155 points, Verstappen trails the McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri, who leads with 198 points, and Lando Norris, holding second place with 178 points. His performance at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit renowned for opportunities to overtake, will be critical as he seeks to regain lost ground in the championship battle.
Implications of Verstappen’s Stance and Upcoming Race Performance
Max Verstappen’s outspoken rejection of the red carpet lifestyle underscores the tension between the public image often expected of top athletes and his personal preference for authenticity and focus on racing. His absence at major promotional events contrasts sharply with his on-track ambition, as the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix presents a vital opportunity to strengthen his championship position.
How Verstappen navigates the race starting from seventh will reveal much about his resilience amid adversity. Given the Red Bull Ring’s history of thrilling overtakes, Verstappen’s drive to “overtake a few cars” could mark a pivotal moment in his season and influence the broader championship dynamics.
