“He Doesn’t Boast”: Max Verstappen Scrapes Lewis Hamilton’s Wounds With Sarcastic Swipe on “Role Model” Fiasco

Max Verstappen has been in the sport for eight long years. The Dutch driver started young at just seventeen. When the front grid was being dominated by the two silver arrows, Verstappen brought attention to his midfield overtakes. Although his car was incapable of fighting for a win, he took the fight to the lions. His race craft was reminiscent of a Spaniard who went elbows out against the Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher. Fernando Alonso, therefore, has a special place in Verstappen’s racing career and heart.

However, for FIA, Lewis Hamilton has set a precedent for what a race driver can be. Coming from a humble background laced with discrimination, he has broken every cap put on him. He is a role model, in the true sense, on and off track. But does that status warrant a hefty punishment and scrutiny?

Max Verstappen has a different definition of a role model to that of FIA

Apparently, with ongoing circumstances, being one of the best drivers in the world, and going around in circles at 247mph in the pinnacle of motorsport isn’t enough to be a role model. How does FIA define a role model in F1? Is it the years of experience? The number of wins or titles? Is it off-court activities to bring about a change? We are not sure. However, people are free to choose their role models, and Max Verstappen has brought one of the finest from his card collection.

The investigation into Lewis Hamilton crossing the track and posing a safety hazard has been re-opened. Citing his ‘role model’ status, FIA opened Pandora’s box. Max Verstappen, however, has a clear paragon. Gushing about his adoration for the Aston Martin driver, Verstappen said, “We deeply love racing. The fact that Fernando, at 42, is still so competitive, attests to it. I admire him. And as a person, he’s super friendly with me. He doesn’t boast about his titles, doesn’t place himself above others, he has remained himself.”

Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid. However, his age does not detract him from pushing his car to the limit. He managed seven podium finishes this season. Alonso and Verstappen have almost had similar starts to their F1 careers. Hailed as the antagonists in Formula 1, the two drivers have managed to find much love as their careers have progressed. “We can talk about everything in a natural and relaxed way, without complications. He’s a good role model to follow,” Verstappen confessed.

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Honored by Verstappen’s admiration, the Spaniard was grateful. But the question remains. Are safety regulations different for every role model?

Is FIA singling out Lewis Hamilton?

During the Qatar Grand Prix, a collision between the two Silver Arrows sent Lewis Hamilton spinning out of the race. The Briton then crossed the active track, moments before George Russell came out of the pits, posing a safety risk. FIA took notice of the incident and slapped a fine on the seven-time world champion for breach of regulations. However, in view of his ‘role model’ status, the governing body is re-evaluating the incident, prompting fury from the F1 community.

The lack of consistency in regulations throughout the racing season of 2023 has enraged people in every corner of Formula 1. Has such a safety risk happened for the first time? No. Last year, Sebastian Vettel, the four-time world champion, was fined a mere 5,000 euros for driving a moped around the circuit with his helmet on top of his head. The German driver is loved and adored throughout the motorsports world. Moreover, a similar incident to Hamilton happened earlier during the Japanese Grand Prix when Logan Sargeant crossed the live track after his crash. The F1 community asks, “Why is Hamilton being singled out?”

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FIA has opened a can of worms with the ‘role model’ fiasco. However, no matter who the governing body casts as the role model, for Max Verstappen, it will always remain the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso.