Even before the controversial Safety Car incident in the closing stages of the race, the Canadian Grand Prix weekend had already kicked off with controversy over the now infamous interview between Max Verstappen and Sky reporter Ted Kravitz, who asked the Dutchman a question that clearly irritated him.

The British journalist asked him about the instruction to let George Russell pass – a decision that turned out to be unnecessary in hindsight. Kravitz explicitly mentioned the name of Stephen Knowles, the temporary replacement for Jonathan Wheatley.

Something that did not sit well with Verstappen, with the latter engaging in a heated exchange with the journalist before symbolically silencing him.

Verstappen’s response naturally sparked reactions across the international press, with Peter Hardenacke, reporter for Sky Deutschland, who praised the Dutchman's approach: "Max responded immediately and put Kravitz firmly in his place. He said: do you really want me to blame someone?''

''Because that's not how we operate. He refuses to be manipulated in that way," he says in conversation with Ralf Schumacher in the podcast Backstage Boxengasse.

Kravitz tried to nuance his question, but the damage was already done. Verstappen kept his gaze firm and remained calm, without giving an inch: "That's what makes him so unique,"  Hardenacke added.

According to Hardenacke, these kinds of moments are indicative of the relationship between Verstappen and the British media:"Sometimes they just go too far. Their questions are tough, direct, and often suggestive. Max flawlessly sees through that – and refuses to be cornered.''