BBC admit breaking F1 guidelines in ‘extraordinary’ Max Verstappen interview | F1 | Sport
Max Verstappen hinted at retirement after a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix (Image: Getty)
The BBC flaunted F1 guidelines during an ‘extraordinary’ interview with Max Verstappen after the Japanese Grand Prix. The four-time world champion endured a difficult race at Suzuka, with his eighth-placed finish leaving him frustrated after the chequered flag. He has only picked up 12 points so far this season, leaving him behind the likes of Pierre Gasly and Oliver Bearman in the standings.
Verstappen’s post-race fury was mainly directed at the new F1 regulations, which he feels have sucked the fun out of racing at the highest level. Speaking afterwards, he admitted that he was considering his future in the sport. It was the latest in a series of public retirement threats, although the Dutchman remains contracted to Red Bull until 2028.
He was speaking to BBC reporter Jennie Gow, who broke F1 guidelines by pursuing her line of questioning for longer than is usually allowed.
Andrew Benson, chief F1 correspondent for the BBC, explained: “The interview Verstappen gave on Sunday was extraordinary. Not just for its openness, honesty and eloquence, but also for the fact he was happy to keep talking beyond the usual limits.
“F1’s guidelines restrict broadcasters to two questions in the ‘pen’ after a race. But Jennie sensed Verstappen’s mood, and kept going, asking five in total.
“Anna Webster, Verstappen’s PR handler at Red Bull, realised he wanted to keep talking, so let them carry on.”
Verstappen has consistently stated that he will walk away from F1 when he is no longer having fun, but it remains to be seen if he will follow through on those claims.
Asked if he was considering his future, he replied: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.
The four-time world champion is unhappy with the new F1 regulations (Image: Getty)
“Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22, but normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Verstappen made it clear that his frustration was not directed at Red Bull, who have lacked competitiveness in the wake of the biggest regulation changes in F1 history.
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am,” he said. “Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time.
“I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before. I’ve not only been winning in F1, but at the same time when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver.
“Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah, it’s just not what I want to do.
“And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”
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