Red Bull Boss Defends Verstappen: "He's Not the Villain They Make Him Out to Be"

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has been unfairly portrayed by some media outlets, according to renowned designer Adrian Newey. In a recent interview, Newey shared his insights into Verstappen's character and the challenges he has faced in the public eye.

Misunderstood Champion

Newey believes that Verstappen, like his predecessor Sebastian Vettel, has been misunderstood by many outside the sport. He suggests that this misrepresentation is partly due to what he describes as "nationalistic" coverage by some broadcasters, particularly Sky Sports. This biased portrayal, Newey argues, has led to an unfair demonization of the Dutch driver.

The Pressure of 2021

While praising Verstappen's consistently high performance level, Newey acknowledges that the intense 2021 championship battle with Lewis Hamilton did show signs of pressure. He points to the Brazilian Grand Prix as an example where Verstappen's driving was "probably a bit out of order," indicating that the pressure of being "hunted" in the championship race was beginning to show.

Handling Controversy

Despite the controversy surrounding the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which decided the championship in Verstappen's favor, Newey says the driver handled the aftermath remarkably well. He describes Verstappen as self-assured and confident, able to shut out external noise and focus on his passion for racing.

Verstappen's Unique Abilities

Newey highlights Verstappen's intelligence and exceptional processing power as key strengths. He notes that Verstappen can drive almost instinctively while simultaneously analyzing his performance, managing tire wear, and considering strategic options. This ability to multitask effectively sets him apart from many of his competitors.

The Impact on Rivals

Interestingly, Newey suggests that the controversial end to the 2021 season had a more significant psychological impact on Mercedes than on Verstappen. He observes that the team's inability to move past the events of Abu Dhabi affected their performance, while Verstappen remained focused on his racing.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, it's clear that Max Verstappen continues to be a dominant force in the sport. While controversy and media portrayal may surround him, his on-track performance speaks for itself, cementing his place as one of the most talented drivers of his generation.