Horner defends Verstappen's statements: 'They are not robots'

World champion Max Verstappen is often well-spoken in interviews. The Dutchman is not afraid to speak his mind, even if it is not inline with what Liberty Media or another party wants to hear. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reveals how the three-time world champion is put together.

""We believe in our drivers having a freedom of choice. They're not robots, they have opinions. And Max has a voice as the world champion, and we don't constrain him to give a PR view," Horner explained to Motorsport.com. "He's a very honest, young guy and he'll tell you how he sees it."

Horner: 'Verstappen is working professionally'

"I think that's actually quite refreshing. He doesn't enjoy all the razzmatazz that surrounds Formula 1, but he never has," the British team boss continued. "He does his job professionally. He's just an out-and-out racer and [has his] feet on the ground. And if he's not racing here, he'll be driving a GT car or racing online. He lives and breathes it."

One thing Verstappen criticised, among others, was the Dutch 'Sportsman of the Year' vote. During a press conference during the Formula 1 season, the 26-year-old driver stated his dislike towards the idea of the award. For instance, he called it a ridiculous award, which he did not even want to win.