Max Verstappen Snubs F1's Flashy World, Admits He Hates the Spotlight
Max Verstappen Snubs F1's Flashy World, Admits He Hates the Spotlight originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Max Verstappen loves Formula 1 but don't expect to see him enjoying the glamorous side of the sport. The reigning champion has made it clear that he has little patience for the glitz that follows F1 and he's not afraid to admit it.
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Speaking ahead of the Austrian GP, Verstappen offered an honest take on why he avoids the spotlight whenever possible. 'Being authentic is not something I have to try and focus on,' he said. 'It's just who I am.'
This comes after the drivers showed up at the premier of the F1 Movie co-produced by Lewis Hamilton. 'I don't like to be on the red carpet and dress up in a suit. I don't like to interact with people I don't really know, and have a fake smile and fake chat,' Verstappen confessed. 'It's horrible, I just don't enjoy it.'
It's a candid admission that sets Verstappen apart in a sport often tied to luxury events, celebrity parties, and sponsor gatherings. While some drivers lean into these events, Verstappen remains laser focused on the track and is quick to distance himself from the circus that surrounds it.
Max Verstappen talks to media during qualifying in Spain.His comments resonate with fans who admire his straightforward, no-nonsense approach. For Verstappen, the appeal of F1 is still the raw thrill of racing, not the photo ops.
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Even as he sits at the peak of his career, Verstappen shows no interest in changing his tune. In a paddock obsessed with image, his blunt honesty is refreshing.
Love it or hate it, Verstappen remains unapologetically himself: a driver who'd rather be in the cockpit fighting for tenths than working a velvet rope. And if that means skipping another glittering afterparty? For Max, that's not a sacrifice, it's exactly how he likes it.
Related: Max Verstappen Is Nothing Like the Media Portrays, Says F1 Movie Star
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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