Despite winning his third world title in Formula 1, Max Verstappen remains a polarizing figure among fans. Verstappen is often heavily criticized, but former F1 pilot Martin Brundle believes this criticism is unwarranted. Brundle defends Verstappen, stating that he has matured and is unafraid to express his opinions.
“I appreciate the fact that Max speaks his mind. I’ve always enjoyed interviewing him, and chatting with him in the paddock is always entertaining,” Brundle writes in his column for ‘Sky Sports’. “He is very direct and honest, and doesn’t care about others’ opinions.”
“I can’t help but feel that a bit more diplomacy and balance would better suit the legacy he will leave behind, as we are all stewards of this great sport,” Brundle adds.
According to Brundle, Verstappen has matured significantly over the years, as evidenced by his racing style.
“He was quite aggressive and reckless as a teenager when he first entered F1, but he has grown and now displays a remarkable level of composure on the track, while remaining just as honest as any other driver when it comes to racing hard,” Brundle explains. “I don’t understand why he’s still perceived as the villain, but fans will form their own opinions.”
Verstappen’s divisive nature among fans dates back to his early days in Formula 1 and continues as he now dominates the sport.
“I encounter fans and read comments emphasizing on X, claiming it was a dull season, possibly due to one combination dominating,” Brundle observes. “From my perspective, I believe I have never seen such close racing, overtaking, and danger across the field, which only intensified as the season progressed.”