Verstappen once played tricks on team radio

Max Verstappen has said that on one occasion he pretended that the team radio didn't work during a race. The Dutchman is often heard on the team radio, offering some quite entertaining conversations with the team.

''There is enough laughter during the debriefs. Of course, you have to stay professional as a team, but there are really moments when we laugh, " Verstappen said to Motorsport.com.

"You sometimes make long days and then a joke can just cause the pressure to fall off your shoulders.

The 22-year-old recorded a strong 3rd place finish in the United States and as a result is fourth in the drivers' standings with two races remaining, 14 points behind Charles Leclerc in third.

"I once pretended the radio didn't work. Then you say "Hello?" Time and time again. You do things like that on a long day.

"Especially with the winter tests, because then you really make long days when nothing happens."

The winter tests will be vital for Verstappen as he looks to further his challenge to Mercedes and Ferrari who as constructors have been the front runners by a long way this season.