Christian Horner, Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko. (Image: Getty Images)
Formula 1 reigning champion has reportedly ‘declined’ to participate in videos for social media platforms. The 27-year-old Dutchman, known for his light-hearted content and meme reenactments, has allegedly suggested that new team-mate should take over these duties.
As Verstappen gears up to defend his Drivers’ Championship title at the Australian Grand Prix, starting fifth on the grid behind ‘s and Oscar Piastri, he is also calling for changes within . Sky Sports reported that Verstappen wants to reduce the time spent being filmed for videos posted on ‘s and other social media accounts. He doesn’t believe such content creation aligns with his role as an ambassador for ‘s sponsors like Oracle and Mobil 1 or his status as world champion.
Raymond Vermeulen, manager of F1 sensation , has criticised certain promotional efforts ahead of the Melbourne Grand Prix.
Speaking with Dutch platform formu1e, Vermeulen said: “Big brands like Oracle, Tag Heuer and Heineken are investing a lot of money in global campaigns around Max. There are buses running around here in downtown Melbourne with the image of Max, it all looks licked.
“Then it doesn’t fit when I then see a video on where Max has to pierce balloons. You don’t make that kind of videos with a four-time world champion.”
Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson in Australia. (Image: Getty Images)
As the new F1 season kicks off, it’s clear from the team’s page that memes or viral stunts are off the cards for Verstappen, with team-mate Lawson taking the helm for those antics.
Verstappen, zeroed in on outperforming Norris and Piastri at the front row, pulled out remarkable qualifying laps after less than stellar practice sessions and test runs two weeks prior.
Reflecting on his qualifying performance, Verstappen conceded: “We had a bit of a tough start. This has never really been a good track to us I think as well, so it took a bit of time to understand how we can improve the situation and we did that today. I’m quite surprised to be sitting here after yesterday. I felt confident. I felt at one with the car.
“Of course, clearly it was lacking a bit of pace, but overall, happy with the laps in qualifying. Today it was a little bit faster, but clearly still not fast enough. But still, to be ahead of and I think is good for us.
“It’s fine, dry or wet. In the wet, there are always some crazy things that can happen, especially around here, it can be quite slippery. But it’s the same for everyone.”
The much-anticipated race is slated to flag off at 4am UK time.
This article first appeared on .