The public nature of the life of Formula 1 drivers often welcomes unwanted controversy in their lives. Even for a straight shooter like Max Verstappen who keeps his head down during his life away from track. We all know a Dutch scholar made accusations on Verstappen for evading taxes. The Dutchman was accused of robbing his country in excess of $200 million by residing in Monaco, a tax haven. However, if Verstappen is doing it, so are a host of other F1 stars. In fact, one of Verstappen’s F1 colleagues gave us some insight into life in Monaco.

Nico Hulkenberg is among many who live in the beautiful small Mediterranean village that is Monaco. Hulkenberg, during his conversation with Bild on a completely unrelated topic, discussed his life in Monaco. The German did not shy away from accepting the financial motive behind his move. However, he also revealed saving taxes was never the primary motive.

When asked why Hulkenberg resides in Monaco, he openly answered, “On the one hand, of course, there are the economic reasons.”

When asked if “tax evasion” is what he meant, he affirmed but also revealed money isn’t the only motivation. “Exactly. I’d be lying if that wasn’t a factor when we were looking for a home. But that was the last step rather than the first. For me and my family, the quality of life here is simply very high. Added to this is the high safety standard. And: It’s usually just an hour’s flight to the European races,” he added.

Read More: Tax Evasion Controversy Triggers Strict Measures From the Dutch Government

The Dutchman never publicly addressed these accusations. However, his manager Raymond Vermeulen did, and he did it with hard facts and in style.

The entourage of Max Verstappen shuts down tax evasion accusation in style

The Dutchman came under heavy fire after the $200 million accusation. The massive amount raised a lot of eyebrows and made many questions about the reality of it all. However, Verstappen’s manager hit back at all the doubters with facts and revealed how his client fairly pays taxes wherever necessary.

“That fact is completely false and what they wrote is incorrect. We pay tax on the sporting performances we put on in the Netherlands, as well as the income Max earns over the weekend in Zandvoort (the Dutch Grand Prix),” said Vermeulen. “We also pay taxes in other countries where he generates income as an athlete.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen 200 Million Tax Evasion Controversy Triggers Strict Measures From the Dutch Government

The controversy blew over and cooled down without Verstappen having to mention it. Such is the life of an F1 driver at times when they have to suffer defamation at the hand of baseless accusations. However, truth always prevails!