Lewis Hamilton’s future Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has defended Max Verstappen after the world champion was criticised for his conduct over team radio.
Verstappen was thrust into the spotlight during the Hungarian Grand Prix after he voiced his irritation with Red Bull’s strategy and swore on several occasions.
The hot-headed 26-year-old, who is no stranger to turning the air blue while in the cockpit, later crashed into Hamilton as he attempted a daring overtake.
Such was the extent of Verstappen’s outburst, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali issued a reminder to warn drivers that their expletives are broadcast to millions of viewers.
Speaking in Belgium this weekend, Hamilton insisted that the Dutchman’s actions were not befitting of a three-time drivers’ championship winner.
Max Verstappen was criticised for his conduct over team radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton believes Verstappen’s behaviour was not befitting of a world champion
‘You have to be a team leader, a team member,’ Hamilton told reporters at Spa. ‘Maybe not so much a team leader but more so just always remember you are a team-mate with lots of people and you have to act like a world champion.’
Vasseur, however, has disagreed with Hamilton, who will leave Mercedes to begin racing in the red of the Scuderia from the start of next season.
‘I don’t know if I have to be politically correct or not, but at the end of the day, we have also to keep in mind that we are the only sport in the world where the guys are speaking on the radio during the effort or the race,’ Vasseur said.
‘I’m not sure that if you put a microphone on a football player, it would be much better. Even on the referee sometimes.
‘It means that we have also to calm down with this. Or we have to switch off the microphone, but I’m not sure that it will be a step forward for the show.’
But Fred Vasseur, Hamilton’s future boss at Ferrari, has come to Verstappen’s defence
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali (centre) warned drivers their expletives were broadcast to millions
As it stands, Formula One drivers are not presently fined or summoned for language used on team radio, as long as it is not overly offensive.
Reflecting on the backlash over his comments, Verstappen said: ‘[If] people don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.
‘I’m very driven [for] success, I’ve proven that. I always want to optimise stuff, now people can argue that he might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion.’
Verstappen’s demeanour during qualifying on Saturday was noticeably more relaxed as he cruised to the fastest time, more than half a second ahead of Charles Leclerc.
He will start 11th on the grid due to an engine penalty, however, leaving Leclerc, his wingman at Ferrari next year, on pole. Sergio Perez will line up in second.