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Max Verstappen has dismissed suggestions he is a “bad boy” in Formula One, insisting he is just a “straight man”.
The double world champion was groomed by his father Joss to be an uncompromising racer and was known for being aggressive on the track during his early years in the sport.
That remains the case after clashes with title rival Lewis Hamilton at Monza, Interlagos and Jeddah in 2021, but after this year’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, another aspect of Verstappen’s side has been put in place. under the microscope.
It focused on its own interests and refused to comply with team orders requiring him to return the position to him red bull Teammate Sergio Perez could have helped the Mexican finish second in the championship.
used to have boos from the crowd The record comes after the 25-year-old won his 15th race of the 2022 season in Abu Dhabi, but Verstappen defended himself against any suggestion he had become a nuisance.
“It may be what some people think, but I’m always honest,” Verstappen told Channel 4.
“I’m always straightforward. Maybe some people don’t like it, but people who know me, I think I’m always open-minded and I’m really working for the team.
“Maybe some people never really put me in those numbers, but they don’t know me as a person either. But that’s life.”
In 2022, Verstappen will break the previous F1 season win record for a driver – a total he admits was more than he had hoped for, and all the more so after two of the first three races had to be retired with car breakdowns in Bahrain and Australian Grand Prix.
Asked what he would say to someone who suggested at the start of the campaign that he would win 15 times, he replied: “I don’t think so!
“Especially after we started the season. I think we turned things around very quickly and made the car more competitive.
“So it’s been an incredible season for everyone on the team. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of.
“And I also know that these seasons don’t come around very often, so you really have to appreciate that too and enjoy it.”
read more: Max Verstappen still won’t reveal reason behind Sao Paulo team-mate snub
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