The shock waves of F1 ripple in the paddock after an unexpected retirement by the girlfriend of the McLaren Lando Norris pilot, Margarida Croceiro. During a sincere interview, he was very critical of Max Verstappen and his dominant performance in Formula 1. His observations quickly spread on social media and immediately aroused a storm of reactions.

According to Corceiro, Verstappen’s success is less impressive than many think. He said that his world titles are mainly due to the fortune and favoritism of the International Motorsport Federation:

“Max won only thanks to the fortune and favoritism of the FIA,” he said without hesitation. “If Lando had started in the same era of Verstappen, nobody would have considered Max a legend. It would have been a good pilot, but certainly not an icon.”

The observations have not fallen unheard. Fans of Verstappen and Formula 1 analysts are immediately jumped to his defense. Many accused Corceiro of lack of sports intuitions and to diminish Verstappen’s results to hide the frustration of Norris’ missed opportunities. Still, there were also those who felt they “say what others do not dare to say”.

After hours of silence, Max Verstappen has finally broken silence. Through his official printing channel, he only pronounced seven words: a response applauded by his fans for his class and composure:

Legends do not need to defend themselves. Period.

The short but powerful answer tending in a few minutes, bringing an unexpected end to the war of words. Corceiro, normally active on social media, did not publicly respond to the observation of Verstappen. Many interpreted his silence as an admission that the Dutchman had completely put it aside with a single sentence.

In the meantime, the pressure is mounting on Lando Norris, who is now in an embarrassing situation. His girlfriend’s comments involuntarily involved him in a media storm, and it is almost certain that he will be questioned in this regard during the next weekend of the Grand Prix.

The situation proves once again that the rivalries in Formula 1 are not only fought on the asphalt. Words can have so much impact of the lap times and the reputation can be forged – or route – in a corner as in an interview.