Verstappen: “I’m not tired of F1, I just don’t feel like talking anymore”

Max Verstappen distances himself from F1 media noise, focusing on racing and life beyond the paddock as pressure around him builds.

Verstappen has made it clear: fans and journalists shouldn’t expect long interviews from him anytime soon.

Following his controversial penalty in 2024 for swearing during a press conference — and amid the FIA’s tightening grip on driver conduct — the four-time world champion has become noticeably more reserved with the media.

Things reached a new level in Jeddah. After receiving a five-second penalty for a turn-one incident, Verstappen offered no explanation, simply saying “That’s lovely” over the team radio. That was it.

“I know I can’t swear anymore,” he said during the post-race FIA press conference. “But at the same time, you’re not allowed to criticize anything that could be seen as ‘harmful’ or ‘dangerous’ to the sport. I’ll give you the rulebook — it’s a long read.”

But it’s not just about penalties or rules. Verstappen admits he’s just not in the mood to talk as much these days.

“I’ve been in this sport for so long now. Eventually, you know everyone,” he said. “And honestly, the less you say, the better. I simply don’t feel like talking to people anymore.”

When asked if this silence hints at him falling out of love with Formula 1, he didn’t seem bothered.

“People shouldn’t overthink it. I’m at a stage where I just don’t care what others write or say. I do my thing, live my life. I show up, do my best in the car, work with the factory team, then go home. That’s where my life is — away from the track.”

“I still love racing. I always want to be fast, to give it everything. But if it doesn’t go well, that’s fine too. It doesn’t ruin my whole week.”

Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who knows the Verstappen family well, believes this is just Max maturing.

“In the past, he’d blow up and say exactly what he thought. Now, he just says ‘Great’ and gets back to racing,” van der Garde noted.

Verstappen’s interests are also expanding beyond Formula 1. From his esports team Redline to his own GT squad, Verstappen.com Racing, he’s already building something for the future.

The team recently made its debut at Paul Ricard in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. Asked whether he sees them competing in iconic races like the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, Verstappen didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely — but step by step. These tracks are tough and you need real preparation. Shorter races, like three, four, or six hours, help us get more experience with the car. Then we can build toward those big events.”

Le Mans? It’s definitely on his radar.

“That would be perfect,” he said. “But I can’t do it yet — not while I’m still in F1.”

Could he ever skip an F1 race for Le Mans?

“No way,” Verstappen replied. “With the way I race and how I approach F1, that’s not even an option.”

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Verstappen: “I’m not tired of F1, I just don’t feel like talking anymore” Verstappen: “I’m not tired of F1, I just don’t feel like talking anymore”