Horner Backs Verstappen's Bluntness: 'They're Not Robots, They Have Opinions'

Tuesday, 02 January 2024 at 00:00

Max Verstappen is known for stating his opinions without any filter whatsoever, which sometimes might be hurtful to the brand of his team, but Christian Horner doesn't think it needs to be changed.

No matter what question the media directs at Verstappen, they can be sure the Dutchman always responds with his true blunt opinion without thinking twice about what reaction it might get.

Some drivers are a lot more careful with what they say, but being in the position of one of the best on the grid and even in the history of Formula One allows Verstappen to say what he thinks.

The triple World Champion is not afraid to criticize other drivers, teams, FIA, or F1. Some recent examples include the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with which he was not happy at all in the beginning, or breach of rules during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

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In Mexico City, a new set of rules has been introduced that has caused drivers to queue at the pit exit. Verstappen was then investigated for blocking others, and he called the riles "bul****t."

While the Dutchman sometimes uses stronger vocabulary and says what some people might not like, his team principal Christian Horner Red Bull won't constraint him. Horner told motorsport.com:

"We believe in our drivers having a freedom of choice. They're not robots, they have opinions. And Max has a voice as the world champion, and we don't constrain him to give a PR view."

On one hand, the 26-year-old might upset some people. On the other hand, it is his personality, and people can see he is authentic, which is valued in a World of F1 where not many express what they honestly think. Horner added: