Max Verstappen’s Questionable “Clown” Remark Sparks Debate on Sporting Ethics in F1

When Drive to Survive aired in 2019, it opened Pandora’s box which led us to the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. A lifelong dream of the sport has finally been fulfilled under Liberty Media. The journey to get the marquee event up and running has seen its fair share of crashes and setbacks. The latest one was during Free Practice 1 as Carlos Sainz’s SF23 was badly damaged by a loose drain cover.

The opening ceremony was a fanfare unlike any other, with a star-studded list of performers playing the crowd’s favorite tunes. But it also left Max Verstappen in an identity crisis that has since sparked a debate on whether the Dutch Lion overreacted.

Did Max Verstappen take things too far during the Las Vegas GP?

The opening ceremony under Vegas’ lights wasn’t any better for the drivers. They were presented in a box one after the other and were not on the stage for longer than a few seconds. Carlos Sainz wanted to stay there so he grabbed onto the ledge as the box went back down. But the story was different for the Milton Keynes maestro because Max Verstappen said he felt like a ‘clown’ up on the stage.

It’s not the first time the Dutchman has been lenient in his choice of words, but it led to a debate on Ted Kravitz’s PodBook podcast. When the topic of Verstappen’s shenanigans came up, Craig Slater pointed out his circus-related comments, “He was a bit more like a jack in the box wasn’t he, with a slow release”. Verstappen felt that all the effort given to making a big show out of the race was not what drivers had asked for.

Slater added, “Did he need to say clown I suppose? Did that take it slightly beyond just being critical of what had been set up there yesterday?” He also cast light on the bigger consequence of Verstappen’s harsh comments about F1’s plans for Vegas, “It could maybe be interpreted as throwing a bone to the media so that you then spark the counter-arguments and you ask the question, was it too much yesterday? Does it detract from the sporting side of things?”

READ MORE: Doubling Down on “Clown” Insult, Max Verstappen Trashes Subpar Las Vegas GP

Verstappen is treading a fine line because his shots against F1 could damage the newfound popularity the sport has gained in the first place. Thankfully, at least one important voice is siding with the FIA and Liberty Media.

Lewis Hamilton defends F1 and Liberty Media from Verstappen and Co.

During the podcast, Slater went on to explain that Formula 1 is a sport that needs a diverse set of characters, from the cheerful ones like Daniel Ricciardo to the intense and emotional kind like Charles Leclerc. Similarly, Max Verstappen could be seen as the anti-hero, a part he plays perfectly.

However, Lewis Hamilton is perhaps the most crucial member of this diverse ensemble, as he combines his passion for winning with his drive for diversity. This also fits in perfectly with his brand, the way bluntness fits Kimi Raikkonen and Verstappen.

This became more evident when the Mercedes man spoke out in favor of the FIA and Liberty Media and was quoted by The Guardian. “I hear there are a lot of people complaining about the direction that Stefano and Liberty have gone. But they are doing an amazing job,” said Hamilton. Earlier, the Briton was critical of the F1 organizer’s management of the construction which had caused grave inconvenience to the locals. But he felt the media outrage before any racing occurred was unwarranted.

WATCH THIS STORY: George Russell Demands FIA Take Harsher Action Against Verstappen!

The Las Vegas GP shenanigans have split fans one of two ways. They either side with Hamilton and the organizers, or with Max Verstappen and Ferrari. Only once the lights go out on Saturday night will we know which side reigns supreme.