Verstappen On Tiring Media Duties: 'I Can Already Answer Before I Hear Question'

Saturday, 10 August 2024 at 18:00

Updated at Saturday, 10 August 2024 at 18:06

The triple World Champion Max Verstappen shared his approach to media duties that come with being a Formula One racing driver.

Many fans might not see it, but being an F1 driver is not only about racing. All 20 drivers have a ton of media duties every single weekend, mainly in the form of interviews, but also other shows, marketing activities prepared by their own teams, and more.

Naturally, media duties aren't among the drivers' favorite things. Lewis Hamilton for example, openly admitted he even faked sickness in the past to avoid a press day (which usually falls on Thursday ahead of the race weekend).

In the newly released Viaplay series "Max Verstappen: Off the beaten track," the Dutchman shared his approach to the endless media duties. He said:

“"I try not to burn too much energy on it, I guess. I know that's part of Formula 1 as well, so with some things, you're like, 'Okay, whatever, these things have to be done.'"”

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“"Every weekend is the same, which, of course, makes it quite easy because you're always talking about the same things."”

Each race weekend usually begins on Thursday, when drivers attend to the marketing activities prepared by their own teams. Then, on Thursday, there is a press day, where they spend almost the whole afternoon answering questions from the media.

Then there are more sessions with media every single day - Friday after FP2, Saturday after Qualifying, and Sunday after the race. With so many interviews every weekend, the 26-year-old already knows what to expect.

“"It's very repetitive in a way. I think I would struggle a lot more if suddenly people start asking a lot of new, different questions you are not prepared for."”

“"Then it probably gets a bit more tiring, but most of the time when I go to interviews or whatever I can already answer before I hear the question."”

Basically, F1 drivers can't avoid answering questions and talking to the camera on any day of the race weekend. Verstappen revealed how he copes with all such duties outside of racing:

“"In my mind, I'm already thinking about other things. You put your brain activity so low that you can think about other stuff. I put my brain activity on 1% so time flies by a little bit more." The Dutchman concluded."”