
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 4, 2023 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after qualifying in pole position REUTERS/Nir Elias

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 4, 2023 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after qualifying in pole position REUTERS/Nir Elias
All was going well for Max Verstappen and Red Bull until the driver decided to go against the team’s orders and invited criticism. At this point, it seems that the Milton Keynes squad is splitting into two camps: the Sergio Perez camp and the Max Verstappen camp. While the Dutchman received good backing for his actions on Sunday, attention has now turned to his actions on Saturday, which have come under the fans’ radar.
On Saturday, the two-time world champion reportedly left the track after his disqualification from Q2. Nico Rosberg reported during the presentation, Verstappen didn’t attend the team briefing. However, Ralf Schumacher quickly corrected the German, as Verstappen was possibly allowed to leave early due to a stomach bug.

via Imago
1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing and his father Jos Verstappen, F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 22, 2022 in Le Castellet, France. Photo by HOCH ZWEI Le Castellet France *** 1 Max Verstappen NLD, Oracle Red Bull Racing and his father Jos Verstappen, F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 22, 2022 in Le Castellet, France Photo by HOCH ZWEI Le Castellet France
This entire episode of reporting, where Nico called out Verstappen, has come under the Dutchman’s camp’s purview, which according to Sport1 said, “The team asked Verstappen to go to the hotel to relax. It can therefore be heard from the Verstappen camp: This shows how far away Rosberg is from reality.” However, this doesn’t seem to have landed well with the opposition fans, who then called out Max Verstappen and Co. for their aversion to criticism, even if half-baked and incorrect.
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Fans call out Max Verstappen and the camp’s sensitivity to criticism
The fans were ruthless in their criticism as they anticipated another boycott, the same as that from last year’s boycott of Sky Sports over the remarks of Ted Kravitz. The driver was also criticized for his poor handling, which came from backhanded comments instead of up-front remarks from himself.
Ow dear. His feelings are hurt. What a shame. He just cannot take criticism. Think how Lewis has coped all through his career. Grow a pair. https://t.co/03SxbqrmtX
— Sandie (@Sandie94988422) March 24, 2023
They’re gonna end up boycotting the whole paddock at this rate lmao what even https://t.co/yrzLyXaF3I
— Danke Seb 💔 Kat (@sewissupremacy) March 24, 2023
V*rstappen being a Bébé La La as usual. He's not a champion. https://t.co/RnxITTUNsz
— Lady Nassie Hamilton (@honeybeydeluxe) March 24, 2023
That shit is stupid AF! So each time anybody says anything negative about you. You boycott them? https://t.co/EQqyIoj0L9
— Ocean (@Abdul__E) March 25, 2023
Damn he really let blondie get under his skin https://t.co/qoAh1LcQ5l
— z (fasting era) (@Fayriah) March 24, 2023
The young Dutchman was also compared to the likes of Lewis Hamilton when it comes to handling media. However, the comparison seems rather unfair given the gap in the experience of both drivers.
Max couldn't handle a fraction of the comments Lewis gets, he's so fragile
— Luca (@RedLuca56) March 24, 2023
Is he allergic to criticism or something?
— JB⁴⁴ (@Roadrunner_F1) March 24, 2023
whatever nico said was right https://t.co/lnDBzA9qI8 pic.twitter.com/b13o4IX2MW
— nico rosberg defence lawyer (@tyongieberry) March 24, 2023
Ooh, such a Sensitive guy 🥹
— fio (@lecrwis) March 24, 2023
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He needs to get over it, nico was just stating facts.
— Diba🦢 (@athletessweatt) March 24, 2023
Maybe the criticism from Nico was unfair, but Max surely needs to speak up for himself and let his side be known as well. He must use better channels and control his own narrative rather than having someone else drive it for him.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen appears to be the chosen one for Red Bull. The team will continue to back him regardless of his obedience, which is a true sign of their trust in his abilities.
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