Athletics
Max Verstappen: “I Never Understand Why People Want an Autograph!”
It’s the final episode of #ABtalks x Red Bull, and Anas Bukhash meets none other than Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who gives viewers an insight into his “chilled” persona.
We’ve all encountered those individuals who know how to sell themselves, or use the gift of the gab to get ahead. So it’s refreshing to come across a successful global athlete who lets his work speak for itself. In fact, Formula One race driver Max Verstappen doesn’t even get his own hype.
“I never understand why people want an autograph or a picture!” he says, adding that it is a nice gesture from fans of course, but that he just doesn’t view himself as a role model.
Max, 22, the self-described “chilled” personality sat down with Emirati host Anas Bukhash on #ABTalks x Red Bull to discuss his public life and how he deals with being in the spotlight. The Belgian-Dutch racer, who competes for Red Bull Racing, became the youngest driver to compete in Formula One history back in 2015 at the age of 17.
“It was my dream of course to be in Formula One, so when I got the opportunity to do it, I honestly could not wait,” he reveals. “And I never really thought about the age difference – or being so young – for me, it was just great that I got there so early, because of course, the earlier you can start, the better. The sooner you arrive, the more you can enjoy it.
“Over the years – from first getting that excitement and starting, now it’s a job and you want to do well and win races. And hopefully, one day you can win the championship.”
Watch the full episode here:
Despite getting to do what he loves, Max admits that there are some pitfalls associated with being in the public eye, particularly the perception of him. Referencing the Netflix series, ‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’, he admits: “A series is all about excitement, so it needs to be exciting. For me, that never really works. I don’t think that was the real me [in the series].
“I’m just easy going and very determined to win. It’s my life, it’s my passion. Sometimes, it might seem arrogant or whatever, but I am there to win. This is what I love to do. I don’t think I show a lot of emotion as well – I just like to be myself. I speak when I need to speak, and when I don’t have anything to say I won’t. For me, that seems to work the best.”
He also admits that being recognised prevents him from doing a lot of things with friends or family.
“[But] being a Formula One driver, it’s my dream. I can’t complain about my life in general. I’ve been very lucky that I could make my hobby my profession - not many people can say that. I am really enjoying it. I am still very young, so I hope I can do it for many more years.
“I love the adrenaline, and I love the competing and winning.”
Thirsty for more inspiring talks? Watch our the rest of the episodes of #ABtalks x Red Bull below:
