F1 News: Verstappen hits out at sport 'politics'

Max Verstappen

Verstappen hits out at F1 'politics'

Max Verstappen gives his take on whether sports and politics should mix.

Originally written by GPFans Staff. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 13 March 2024 15:00

Amid growing tensions at Red Bull, Max Verstappen has established his stance on whether sports and politics should mix.

After an internal investigation into Christian Horner’s conduct, the position of Red Bull's star driver and key figures within the team are looking less certain.

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Despite this, Verstappen enjoyed another dominant display at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, taking his second race win of the season, tallying a total of 100 podiums over his career.

His teammate, Sergio Perez finished second, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc filling the final podium position.

“It's 88 missed podiums! No, of course, very happy with that. But I'm not really a guy, you know, looking at the stats. So I'm just happy to hit 100.”

Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabia GP 2024

Verstappen calls for a separation between sports and politics

The three-time world champion was also asked about sportswashing and greenwashing in the Gulf by the Los Angeles Times.

“I think It's very important that sport is sport, politics are politics. Sometimes people like to be in the middle of it. I prefer to just focus on sport," Verstappen said after the Saudi Arabian GP.

Max Verstappen Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023

“At the end of the day, every single country has their own flaws, but also positive sides. And we are not going to change the world at the end of the day as a sport, but we try to share positive values.

“I do think that since we have been here already there have been some really nice positive changes and you have to respect that and sometimes you know it takes a bit longer in some countries.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Ferrari Charles Leclerc Christian Horner Sergio Perez