Max Verstappen Reprimanded by Ex-Ferrari Boss as Foul Behavior Damages F1’s Reputation

Max Verstappen might have won the 2023 US GP. But the ever-demanding COTA made sure that the world champion did not have it easy! With, the F1 drivers already having to tackle the tire degradation issue, Verstappen had more on his plate as he had brake issues throughout the race. This is why the radio talk of him and his race engineer has gained traction. As an ex-Ferrari team boss has criticized his handling of the situation, and even considered it damaging to the sport.

The United States Grand Prix was a tricky race for Max Verstappen. Not only did he have to start from sixth place on the grid. He later had to endure a break issue throughout the race. A charging W14, driven by his eternal rival, Lewis Hamilton made sure to apply more pressure on to him. This was evident, as Verstappen got frustrated whenever he and his race engineer communicated on the team radio. Especially the braking zone, which led to the current world champion using a considerable amount of foul language.

A masterclass by Max Verstappen overshadowed by foul language ‘Mad Max’ at the US GP

Following his race win at the United States Grand Prix. Max Verstappen’s radio talk has somewhat been the talk of the town on social media. This is mainly due to his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase choosing to talk to him during the heavy-breaking zone. This led to the resurgence of ‘Mad Max’ as he was visibly frustrated with and told him to not talk whenever the driver was at a heavy braking zone. Clearly, the brake issues got the better of his temperament.

Moreover, ex-Ferrari manager Peter Windsor also got into the depth of this topic. He played devil’s advocate by praising Verstappen and his ability to win the race, despite tire degradation and brake issues. He fairly criticized the Dutch driver for his foul language by holding him accountable.

He stated, “He was actually expletives deleted at one point when he was talking about the breaks. Max, you’re the triple world champion, you’re not allowed to do that. They beeped it obviously, but you know lots of young kids watching Formula 1 these days. I think there should be some sort of code of conduct to do with language. Because even young kids today know what a ‘bleep’ is, don’t they? So we don’t need any more of that. Bernie [Eccelstone] started all that when he allowed Ralf Schumacher to get away with it years ago. When he used the ‘F’ word for the first time that I’d ever heard on the radio and Bernie thought it was a big laugh and really good for Formula 1”.

Windsor further explained why he thinks disagrees with F1 having foul language. He stated, “I totally disagreed at the time, for the same reason I disagree with it now. I think you know if you got young kids, and you’re trying to get to a young audience, you don’t allow that sort of thing. It’s not allowed in other sports and shouldn’t be allowed in Formula 1.”

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Peter Windsor is clearly thinking from a broader perspective as for young kids, hearing their F1 idols use foul language is not a good message. This is why his criticism of the Red Bull driver is valid and his appeal for the code of conduct being there regarding the usage of foul language makes a lot of sense.

Should F1 drivers be accountable for using foul language?

Whether they like it or not, athletes are, and will always be, role models, especially for young aspiring kids. Not only do these kids look up to them, but want to be like them, act like them, and speak like them! Which is why they should be mindful of what they say, and how they say it. Similar should be the case for F1 drivers.

F1 is a really high-pressure environment sport where the smallest margins of error can result in disaster. It’s understandable as to if and why a driver would get frustrated and might use foul language. However, being role models, they should definitely strive to be better and convey the usage of respectful language.

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Overall, Windsor’s criticism of Verstappen’s foul behavior is correct as it does ultimately harms the sport. While also setting up a bad example for the young kids watching.