Max Verstappen is infamous for his aggressive antics and outbursts on the team radio comms. However, according to ex-professional cyclist Niki Terpstra, he can place himself in Verstappen’s shoes and understands the root cause of Verstappen’s ‘tantrums.’
An elite athlete in his own right, Terpstra explained, “Adrenaline can be terrible and can make you react differently. If you are driving that car so hard and you react a bit grimly, that is simply because you are pushing and not driving around in a relaxed manner,” on the Formula 1 Paddock Talk podcast (as quoted by Formule1.nl).
Max Verstappen angry radio message at #BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/E4yTygMLXi
— F1 Radio Messages (@F1RadioMessages) July 30, 2023
Driving F1 cars around racing tracks at break-neck speeds is no mean feat. The drivers risk life and limb to battle against the very best of motorsport. Naturally, with such high stakes and speeds, the adrenaline rush is incomparable, which explains their aggressive behavior.
The team plays a crucial role in taming that beast in the cockpit. In Verstappen’s case, his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, can be heard coaching the Dutchman through a race, though many times to his detriment. Nevertheless, seasoned drivers like Verstappen have learned how to calm themselves down when in the eye of the storm.
Max Verstappen has matured as a driver but has not softened
In comparison to his early days in the sport, Verstappen is a much more seasoned and calmer personality. He’s learned a lot as a driver and matured in that regard. That doesn’t mean he goes any easier on his opponents, though.
He’s known for his relentless drive to win. On more than one occasion, he’s the last one to brake, the one making the lunges and giving just enough space to his opponent to back out of a move he wants to make his own.
Belgium 2016: Mad Max. Tried too hard to make up for a poor start with a silly lunge.
Monaco 2019: Mature Max. Didn’t take a stupid risk to try and pass Valtteri. He was thinking of the long game.
Loving the 2019 version of Max Verstappen. Long may it continue. pic.twitter.com/RxjS7vewNj
— James (@JOC__1991) May 31, 2019
But this single-minded determination to dominate has seen him wrap up his 3rd consecutive title in style. After the Singapore GP, for example, the paddock reasoned the FIA’s flexi-wing ban to be the start of Red Bull’s downfall. Lo and behold, since that race, Verstappen’s gone on to win every single race remaining on the calendar.
The dynamic between Lambiase and Verstappen is instrumental, too. According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, ‘GP‘ has become an integral part of the Milton Keynes team’s future plans to dominate for this very reason.
