Max Verstappen, the Formula One world champion, has denied reports suggesting that Red Bull has banned him from sim racing during grand prix weekends. Verstappen clarified that he is well aware of his limits and responsibilities, stating that he knows what he can and cannot do.
Despite staying up until 3 a.m. before the Hungarian Grand Prix to participate in an online race with his sim racing team, Verstappen defended his decision by emphasizing the importance of sim racing in his life. He mentioned that staying up late for such events is not new to him and that he had done so previously during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend in May without any issues.
Addressing the criticism he faced for questioning Red Bull’s strategy calls during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen stood by his approach and stated that he is always critical of himself. He mentioned that being open-minded and critical has been working well for him and his team, and he does not plan on changing his communication style in the future.
In response to the pressure mounting on him and Red Bull due to the rise of McLaren and Lando Norris, Verstappen’s former rival Lewis Hamilton advised him to act like a world champion and be a team player. Verstappen acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially with a 10-place grid penalty at Spa for exceeding the engine allocation.
While Verstappen anticipates a tough race at Spa, he remains focused on the championship battle and understands the need to navigate the challenges ahead. Despite the setback of the grid penalty, he remains determined to give his best performance and continue fighting for the title.
As the season progresses, Verstappen’s resilience and determination will be put to the test as he faces strong competition from his rivals. His ability to maintain his focus and drive towards success will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the championship battle. Stay tuned for more updates on Verstappen’s journey in Formula One.