Max Verstappen has delivered a muted response to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s claim that Kimi Antonelli’s title win has reflected a culture change among drivers in Formula 1.
Antonelli sealed the Drivers’ Championship with third place last weekend in Mexico, becoming the youngest champion in F1 history at the tender age of 20 years and 68 days.
Toto Wolff’s suggestion receives muted response from drivers
Later that evening, Wolff argued that the Italian’s approach to winning his maiden title should show others that a driver can succeed in the sport without resorting to dubious tactics.
“I discussed it with someone else, with Mohammed [Ben Sulayem, FIA President],” the Austrian began.
“This notion of ‘win at all costs’, selfish, opportunistic, ruthless for your own benefit – that model of racing driver has died.
“We have a new champion that represents values like humility, like integrity, loyalty, respect, being himself. [He] should be a role model for many other young drivers in junior formulas, and should be a role model for the few young entitled ones in Formula 1.
“The endless moaners on the radio, the ones that complain, the ones that crash. Look at this kid of 20 years [of age], and then think what we can do in order to improve.
“That’s the message to these kids. That is how the FIA, that Mohammed, that Stefano [Domenicali, Formula 1 president and CEO], that’s how I would want to see racing drivers in the future. That is modern Formula 1.
“Kimi represents the modern Formula 1 driver because of those values. Not only because of his talent – that counts – but the talent is there with everyone.
“You’ve got to be a good person too, and he has demonstrated that you can beat everyone out there by being a good person.”
Verstappen, in particular, has divided opinion since his arrival on the F1 scene, with numerous rivals taking aim at his uncompromising driving in wheel-to-wheel combat.
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But when asked to give his view on Wolff’s take, the Dutchman argued that it is beneficial for the series to have contrasting personalities, both on and off the track.
“I mean, everyone is entitled to their opinion, right?” Verstappen highlighted ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
“I have nothing else to say, really.
“Every person is different, anyway. I think that’s what is good for Formula 1 because if everyone has the same personality, it’s very boring.
“Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? It’s impossible to know, right?”
Wolff’s comment was also posed to Fernando Alonso, but the two-time F1 champion was even more unwilling to be drawn into the debate, as he provided no vocal response.
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