“It makes me angry” Max Verstappen criticizes reporters as “childish,” because discussions about FIA ban are in danger of being “a waste of time”

During the recent Grand Prix of Canada, held on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, Max Verstappen made himself heard again, not only on the track but also beyond. The reigning world champion Formula 1, which achieved an impressive second place in qualifying, expressed his frustration during the FIA ​​press conference after the session. His displeasure focused on the persistent questions of journalists about his penalty points and the possible threat of a suspension, a subject that clearly annoys him. Verstappen called the repeated discussions “childish” and “waste of time”, and his sharp reaction caused a stir in the media.

Verstappen, known for his direct and unfiltered statements, interviewed interviewer Tom Clarkson before he had completed his question about the penalty points. “I don’t have to hear this again,” he said with visible annoyance. “It makes me really angry. You started this on Thursday, and today again. It is such a waste of time, really childish. That’s why I don’t say much, because it’s all very annoying.” His words reflect a growing frustration with the way in which the media and the FIA ​​deal with things that, according to him, distract from racing itself. When another journalist asked if the threat of a suspension would affect his race on Sunday, Verstappen answered curtly: “No.”

The Dutchman, who currently has eight penalty points on his super license, is close to the limit of twelve points, which would mean an automatic suspension for a racing weekend. This topic has become a recurring point of discussion, especially after recent controversies around Verstappens driving style and incidents on the track. In recent years he has criticized the FIA ​​and their regulations several times, including the prohibition of political and religious expressions without prior permission and the stricter rules on language use. In 2024, for example, Verstappen was sentenced to community service for the use of a swear word during a press conference in Singapore, something he labeled as exaggerated and patronizing.

The recent press conference in Canada again emphasized the tense relationship between Verstappen and the FIA, but also between him and part of the media. His eruption was received with mixed responses. Some praised are honesty and passion, while others, such as former F1 journalist Peter Windsor, rather accused him of childish behavior in other situations, such as his response to technical problems during a virtual race. Yet Verstappen seems to attach little value to this criticism. He remains faithful to his pronounced style, which gives him both admirers and opponents.

In addition to the controversy about the penalty points, Verstappen also expressed criticism of the broader culture within Formula 1. He pointed out to increasing censorship and the strict rules that drivers limit in their statements. “It feels like we are being treated as small children,” he said earlier this year about the FIA ​​rules on language use. These comments resonate with a broader discussion in sport about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility of drivers as role models. For Verstappen, however, the focus seems clear: he wants to racing, not becoming entangled in what he sees as unnecessary peripheral issues.

The Grand Prix of Canada itself offered Verstappen an opportunity to show his focus on the track. Despite a strong qualification, in which he was only narrowly defeated by George Russell from Mercedes, he remains a formidable competitor in the championship. His team, Red Bull Racing, performed solidly, but the Dutchman emphasized that the race makes everything possible on Sunday from the second starting position. His determination to win remains unaffected, regardless of the controversies outside the cockpit.

The statements of Verstappen in Canada underline a wider trend: the growing tension between drivers, the FIA ​​and the media. While Formula 1 is gaining popularity worldwide, peripheral issues such as penalty points, language use and regulations seem to get more and more attention, to the frustration of drivers such as Verstappen. His call to stop “childish” discussions is not only a personal expression of irritation, but also a plea for a sport that focuses on racing instead of bureaucracy. Whether his words will be heard, the time will learn, but one thing is certain: Max Verstappen remains a driver who does not hide his opinion.