Last Updated on March 13 2025, 11:25 pm

Max Verstappen has always been known for his aggressive nature, both on and off the track. Whether responding to critics, taking shots at fellow drivers or tackling controversial issues head-on, the Dutchman has never been afraid to speak his mind. However, with the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, a striking change has taken place. The Max Verstappen who once dominated the headlines with his fiery comments has seemingly disappeared.

His subdued demeanour has been on display since last year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, where he openly criticised George Russell and the British pundits. But as Formula One has embarked on a new campaign, Verstappen’s tone has changed. He now appears measured, calm and remarkably reserved. The change was evident from the moment the world champion took to the stage at the big F1 presentation in London, through pre-season testing in Bahrain and into the opening race weekend in Australia.

Whatever the subject, Verstappen now keeps his answers short and to the point. Conversations about Red Bull’s new RB21 car? Vague. A reaction to the boos he received at the F1 show at London’s O2 Arena? Silence. Even his father, Jos Verstappen, has been the one to express his displeasure in the press, rather than Max himself.

 

 

 

A new perspective: Verstappen’s ‘waste of energy’ mentality

When Autosport, a sister publication of Motorsport-Total.com, asked Verstappen in Melbourne about his expectations for the upcoming title fight, he was as reserved as ever.

“It would be nice, but it’s impossible to say at the moment. You can speculate about it, but it’s a waste of energy to think about it.

The phrase “waste of energy” has been a recurring theme in Verstappen’s recent comments. The 27-year-old, who is set to become a father this summer, has seemingly decided to shift his focus elsewhere. While some have interpreted this as a sign of maturity, others have wondered if something deeper is going on.

Could Verstappen’s new-found restraint stem from difficulties with Red Bull’s new car? The paddock is already speculating as to whether the RB21 really is capable of securing a fourth consecutive title. Or could his silence be linked to tensions between the drivers and the FIA, particularly in light of new regulations restricting their speech?

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on profanity in official statements has been widely discussed, and Verstappen himself has been penalised for colourful language in the past. His now-infamous boycott of the press conference in Singapore last year was a direct response to the FIA’s strict media policy. Has this crackdown forced him into silence?

Aston Martin ‘disguised’ their cars pace in 2025 testing

 

 

 

Verstappen opens up – sort of

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, a group of Dutch journalists took the opportunity to speak to Verstappen in a more intimate setting in Melbourne. When approached in his native tongue, the world champion was a little more forthcoming.

“I didn’t talk much today,” he admitted.

But why?

“To be honest, I don’t really care. We’ve tested and now it’s time to get going. We’ll see where we are. I don’t have much to say.”

While this might suggest that Verstappen is simply not interested in engaging with the media, his demeanour at the official FIA press conferences has been even more subdued than usual. When asked if the FIA’s strict media regulations were influencing his silence, Verstappen was diplomatic but firm.

“Of course you have to be careful what you say. But on the other hand, there’s not much to talk about. And I don’t want to waste time on it. It’s better to stay relaxed”.

Pressed further on whether his silence was a form of protest, Verstappen dismissed the idea.

“No. Of course you can fight against it, but that doesn’t always achieve much. I don’t feel like it.”

Norris reacts angrily to ‘short-sighted’ statements

 

 

 

A new approach to F1: “Then I go home”

Verstappen’s priorities seem to have shifted. Whereas in previous years he was more willing to engage in verbal battles, the Dutchman now prefers to maintain his focus and avoid unnecessary distractions.

“I do my thing at the weekend, then I go home and deal with other things. The season is stressful enough, even off the track,” he explained.

When it comes to his PR commitments, Verstappen has become more selective about how he engages with the media. Rather than accepting every interview request, he prefers to engage in meaningful discussions with major publications. This approach mirrors that of Lewis Hamilton, who has largely eschewed routine paddock interviews in favour of high-profile features such as his recent cover story in Time magazine.

“If it’s meaningful stuff that you can maybe learn something from, then I like to put it out there. It’s more fun. Not this TikTok stuff.”

Red Bull need crucial fixes as Verstappen describes a “horrible car”

 

 

 

Marko admits issue with the Red Bull car

 

 

Formula 1’s changing media landscape

The changing media landscape within Formula 1 has not gone unnoticed. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve recently expressed concern about the sport’s evolving relationship with journalists, noting that traditional reporting is being replaced by influencer-driven content.

“We used to be much freer in our freedom of expression,” Villeneuve told yaysweepstakes. “Now there’s a Netflix microphone around every corner.”

The Canadian recalled his own days in F1, when he says the media workload was far more intense.

“There were 200 journalists at every race. It was really non-stop – every country, every newspaper, every radio station. That’s practically extinct now,” said Villeneuve.

According to him, influencers have taken the place of real journalists, and their words carry more weight than those of seasoned professionals. “It’s wrong,” Villeneuve said bluntly.

McLaren clarify Pisatri’s future

 

 

 

Verstappen and the Netflix effect

Villeneuve’s observations seem to echo Verstappen’s own frustrations with F1’s evolving media presence. The Dutchman has long been critical of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, which he believes misrepresents the sport. His disdain for the direction F1 has taken was evident when he addressed the issue on social media.

“Unfortunately you see these things pop up on X, but you just have to quickly ignore them so they don’t come back to your feed,” he remarked, making it clear that he had no interest in engaging with the show or its narrative.

Marko predicts Australian winner – its not Max!

 

 

Aston Martin ‘disguised’ their cars pace in 2025 testing

 

 

Is the old Verstappen gone for good?

So has Max Verstappen really changed, or is this just a temporary phase? While his words may not grab as many headlines, his actions on the track will ultimately define his legacy. Whether this low-key version of Verstappen is here to stay remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – underneath the silence, the fire that made him a world champion still burns.

READ MORE – Marko admits issue with the Red Bull car

 

 

 

 

 

MORE F1 NEWS – FIA last minute regulation U-Turn for the Australian GP

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Last year McLaren were accused of using flexi-wings following their first big upgrade of the year which came in Miami. The wings passed the FIA static deflection tests but it was obvious from TV footage that under the extreme loads at high speed, the wings were in fact operating like a mini-DRS.

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