Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One World Champion, found himself at the centre of a heated debate during the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. Allegations surfaced that his less than cheerful demeanour was due to his involvement in late-night sim racing events.
Initially dismissed by Red Bull sporting director Helmut Marko, the allegation has since taken a new turn, sparking discussions within the team about Verstappen’s pre-race activities. Verstappen’s recent decision to avoid late-night sim races ahead of a Grand Prix provides compelling evidence to support these internal discussions.
Evidence supporting the decision
A resurfaced clip of Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, highlights his “greatest fear” – that if the team stopped winning, Verstappen’s frustration would boil over on the team radio. Even during Red Bull’s period of dominance, Verstappen was known to openly express his feelings to Lambiase.
Although Lambiase said this in jest, he hinted that the day they stopped winning would be a day of real concern.
Verstappen calls for “respect” from engineer
Radio prediction and frustration
Red Bull’s recent decline in dominance was evident during the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Verstappen looking particularly frustrated. Lambiase also appeared exasperated, marking a rare occasion when both appeared to be at their wit’s end. The tension echoed a conversation earlier in the season on Red Bull’s in-house podcast, where Lambiase voiced his concerns.
“My biggest fear is the moment we have more competition and we don’t win every race, because you see how he’s treating me at the moment and he’s winning every race,” Lambiase said alongside Verstappen.
“I’m really not looking forward to that!”
Verstappen replied that they had been through such seasons before and would get through it, although current circumstances would suggest otherwise. He went on to elaborate on their relationship, emphasising their mutual respect despite their intense, sometimes fiery exchanges.
F1 team on the brink of collapse
Verstappen’s perspective
“Obviously respect is very important. Sometimes people don’t really understand what kind of relationship you have. For example, when we’re on the radio and we sound a bit upset or angry, they think we’re in a fight, but we’re not. It’s just that we want the best out there.”
Verstappen admitted that his raised voice on the radio was the result of adrenaline and a desire to perform at his best.
He described how their fiery conversations were a way of achieving optimal results and underlined the importance of respect in their dynamic.
Hulkenberg addresses “instability” at Audi
The approach to race weekends
“But for me, that’s the way I like to approach our weekend, our race, because if I’m upset or whatever or not happy with a certain situation and he’s like ‘copy that’ or ‘thank you for your message’ [then I’d think] what’s going on?”
Verstappen insists that both he and Lambiase are committed to achieving the best possible results. Their intense exchange, he believes, is necessary to maintain high performance, with respect being a crucial element in their professional relationship.
Sim Racing sparks controversy: Verstappen accepts BAN
Was F1 world champion Max Verstappen in such a bad mood at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix because he had been taking part in sim racing events on the internet late into the night? What Red Bull sporting director Helmut Marko dismissed as “nonsense” on Austrian broadcaster ORF at the weekend has now been given a whole new twist in his “Speedweek” column.
In the column in question, Marko writes: “Max’s late-night sim race over the weekend in Hungary only came about because a driver in his team dropped out. Nevertheless, we have agreed that he will not drive simulations at such late hours in the future”.
FIA rookie F1 driver Sprint events considered
Contradictory statements from Red Bull
This development is in stark contrast to the public statements made by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Horner insisted that Verstappen, known for his exceptional driving skills, understood the demands of Formula One.
Expressing confidence in Verstappen’s judgement, Horner said: “Max knows what it takes to drive a Formula One car, to win Grands Prix and to be world champion. We trust his judgement.”
However, Horner also admitted that any discussions about improvements would be conducted internally and not in public. That comment hinted at ongoing internal deliberations that have apparently led to a decision to curtail Verstappen’s late-night sim racing sessions at the circuits.
Red Bull financial deficit should they sack Perez
Internal discussions lead to new rules: Agreements on sim racing
It appears that the “internal discussion” Horner alluded to has indeed taken place, resulting in a new team policy. From now on, Verstappen’s late-night virtual racing activities at F1 venues will be restricted. While defending Verstappen’s actions, Marko pointed to a past case to illustrate that sim racing does not negatively affect a driver’s performance.
He recalled the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Verstappen stayed up until three in the morning because of sim racing, but went on to win the Grand Prix later that day. Marko insisted that Verstappen has a “different sleep rhythm” and had secured his required seven hours of sleep before the Hungarian race.
Verstappen’s involvement with sim racing is well documented and predates his illustrious F1 career. As a prominent driver for the Redline team, he has taken part in numerous virtual racing events. In the 2024 season, he raced under the banner of his own team, Verstappen.com Racing, sponsored by Red Bull. His achievements in the virtual world have been impressive, including winning the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring Nordschleife just hours before triumphing in the real world Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
Audi sack infighting F1 project leaders
The intersection of virtual and real racing
The controversy surrounding Verstappen’s sim racing activities underlines the evolving dynamics of professional motorsport. The intersection of virtual and real racing raises questions about the impact of digital practices on physical performance. While Verstappen’s success in both realms demonstrates his versatility and dedication, recent internal team decisions reflect a cautious approach to balancing these pursuits.
As sim racing continues to grow in prominence, teams must walk a fine line between nurturing their drivers’ passions and ensuring optimal performance on race day.
For Verstappen, this means adjusting his nightly virtual racing habits in favour of maintaining peak condition for his F1 commitments. Recent developments within the Red Bull camp signal a shift towards prioritising rest and recovery, even for a driver as exceptional as Verstappen.
READ MORE: Verstappen’s calls for “respect” from engineer
F1 team on “the brink of collapse
Michael Andretti will be reading today’s news with a wry smile on his face. He and his proposed F1 team have been listening to propaganda from the paddock claiming that the current line up of competitors are in rude health.
Guenther Steiner claimed at last season’s pre-season testing: “Five years ago, you could get teams for nothing, you could pick it up. Nobody wanted them and they went out of business.
“Now, all of a sudden, everybody wants a team. But it’s a lot of people that want to come in and the 10 teams which are here are all financially stable, all well set up. It’s a very good environment at the moment, no one is struggling.” READ MORE
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Oh come on, please
This is too blatant a stretch even for you “judge”….
Headline – Verstappen Banned
Reality – from SIM racing on GP weekends 🤦🏻♂️
Max is behaving like a spoilt brat and has thrown his toys out with the bathwater. Totally disrespectful behaviour and without the humility to say sorry or I was wrong this time.
Verstappen looks like a man but behaves like a child. He seems to be a divisive person rather than a team player. I realise that an F1 driver is single minded but Verstappen is all or nothing. Every negative event is through other people’s failure, likes to race hard when behind but doesn’t like others who have sharp elbows.