An Italian journalist has slammed Max Verstappen for his lack of friendliness by referring to him as an ‘iceman‘. The journalist described how the Dutchman gives no sign of acknowledgment to the media personnel by seemingly ignoring them every time he walks past.
As seen in the video put up by Tati below, Sky Sports Italia journalist Carlo Vanzini was asked to rate Verstappen and Charles Leclerc on the basis of different characteristics. While the 51-year-old rated the Dutchman 9 or 10 on most parameters, one characteristic certainly caught the eye.
When it came to friendliness, Vanzini rated Verstappen just as a 3/4 out of 10, while he rated Leclerc a perfect 10. The Italian journalist explained his reasoning by stating, “Max is an iceman. I was impressed by this little boy who was always like this. Nothing. Zero heartbeats“.
Vanzini then went further in his analysis by comparing Verstappen to his competitors. He stated that when he would walk past either Daniel Ricciardo or Fernando Alonso, both these drivers would give their own form of acknowledgment. However, when it came to Verstappen, Vanzini said there was nothing.
Max Verstappen vs media staff in the paddock🤭
Carlo Vanzini gives him 3/4 out of 10 as a vote for his friendliness😈 pic.twitter.com/PV4Zd3ztWj— tati ☁️ charles leclerc 🏎 (@f1tati) May 16, 2023
Max Verstappen has previously slammed the media for making him look bad
After the conclusion of a heated 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, several media had put out reports claiming that Max Verstappen had denied team orders. However, the Dutchman slammed these reports, calling them ‘sickening‘ and ‘unacceptable‘. He explained his point further by adding (as quoted by the Guardian),
“After that race, I looked very bad in the media. They didn’t have a clear picture. They don’t know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me. So, all the things that I’ve read are pretty disgusting”.
These reports emerged shortly after Verstappen seemingly denied team orders to allow Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez to pass him. The Mexican was in a battle with Charles Leclerc for second in the championship last year and was desperate for any points that he could get.
Since the Dutchman had already won the Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull had asked him to allow Perez through. By the looks of what transpired on track, Verstappen seemingly refused to obey team orders and did not allow Perez through.
Verstappen and Perez are in a battle for the championship this year
Red Bull is dominating the 2023 season so far as their drivers have won all five races. Reigning Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen has won three, while teammate Sergio Perez has won the other two.
Since the team has won all the first five races, it seems that this year’s Drivers’ Championship will be a straight fight between the two Red Bull drivers. Verstappen currently has the upper hand as he will go into this weekend’s race in Imola with a 14-point lead over Perez.
