Verstappen knows his place: ''You either like me, or you don't''

Max Verstappen came under fire in 2020 after statements about the onboard radio. In a new interview, Verstappen admits that he knows he cannot say everything, but that he sometimes says something is part of his character.

Verstappen has made himself heard in different ways this season, but the way he reacted to Lance Stroll in Portugal came in for the most criticism. The word 'Mongol' that Verstappen used was not appreciated and despite apologies Verstappen still got a lot on his mind.

The statements of Max

''I know that some things are sensitive in the world. The situation is different from roughly five years ago, including on social media. I realise that you can't say everything. And I certainly don't. I say what it says, but I don't say everything I think. I have a moment like that every day'', says Verstappen opposite De Telegraaf.

''You either like me, or you don't at all. I always have that idea. And you don't have to look at me. If you don't like me, don't do it. I think it's more important what the people around me say to me. No, I'm not waking up to anything anyway. And if I wake up, maybe it's because I'm going to eat. I like that.''

Verstappen not on social media

Whereas other drivers such as Lewis Hamilton also share much of their lives on social media, this is a lot less so at Verstappen. Whereas Hamilton has 21 million followers on Instagram, Verstappen is still a bit behind with its 4 million followers. However, that doesn't matter much to Jos' son and he doesn't rule out that he will remove it all someday.

''No, I am not at all. I'm not suddenly throwing my whole private life out on the street. Here at home in Monaco there are no paparazzi in the bushes. I don't put many personal things on Instagram either, because I don't think people need to know. Sometimes I make an exception. Everyone has their own thing. I don't do it because of the followers. Even though I have more than twenty million of them, what does it matter to me? Who knows, once I've finished racing, I'll press the delete button and say little more'', the driver of Red Bull Racing concludes.