- Max Verstappen can be a divisive figure in Formula 1
- His viewpoints regarding events on the track are divisive
- However, it is a Dutch trait that he carries
Max Verstappen can be a divisive figure in Formula 1, frequently dividing people with his viewpoints regarding events on the track, but that’s not his true character.
A case in point occurred at the conclusion of the 2022 season when the Dutchman and his colleague Sergio Perez were at the centre of a conflict about team directives.
Despite appearing to hurt his teammate’s prospects of placing second in the Drivers’ Championship, he was open about his thoughts on the situation.
However, Atze Kerkhof, a fellow Team Redline sim driver, claims this is all just a part of Verstappen’s misunderstood personality.
Max Verstappen second win. Photo by The SportsRush
Kerkhof says Verstappen has a different personality from what the world sees. People don’t know that being candid is part of his Dutch culture, which is what people misunderstand him for.
“How I know Max is completely different than how the world sees him,” Kerkhof told Team Redline in an interview with.
“What we do very well in the Netherlands is that we always speak the truth, in terms of what we think – we’re quite direct. Max is very ‘Dutch’ when it comes to his communication, he’s very direct and it helps him a lot and the people around him, because you know exactly what he means and what he wants to say, and he’s just always direct,” he added.
Verstappen frequently expresses his opinions to the media without holding back, according to Kerkhof. He implored that most F1 operations are just a mere show, and it’s hard to take away the truth from the facts.
This is where things become complicated, and that’s where Verstappen is misunderstood. People feel like he is putting on a show. However, Kerkhof adds that the Red Bull driver doesn’t care much about other people’s opinions.
That makes him unique because he speaks his mind but is misunderstood.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s decision to produce its own power units starting in 2026 has received praise from team Principal Christian Horner. Horner says that the team now has ownership of its destiny.
Developing their own engines is a significant victory for the defending champions adding that his squad is well on its course after talk fallout with Porshe.
Max Verstappen signs new contract with Red Bull. Photo/Sky Sports
Hernor indicates that they have made the investment and the commitment within Red Bull Powertrains, and specialists are on board to see this through. Honda’s potential return to the engine business won’t impact how Red Bull operates as an independent power unit maker.
As a result of Ferrari’s refusal to ratify the F1’s 2026 regulations due to reservations about Red Bull’s participation, reports claim the company was ignored at a crucial meeting.
Red Bull Powertrains might be regarded as a new manufacturer and qualify for a number of incentives, which is a concern. This includes having access to more resources and time for engine development that may provide the team with a competitive edge.
Red Bull, though, is an experienced squad and already has a technological alliance with Honda.
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