Bad teammate and arrogant: Why is it so hard for us to love Verstappen?

To doubt the superiority of Max Verstappen this season is close to heresy. So far this calendar, he has achieved five victories out of seven possible, which is equivalent to 71% effectiveness. In addition, he has achieved four pole positions (57%), three fastest laps (43%) and has been on the podium in all races. His average position in qualifying is 4.3 and he should be much better were it not for his 15th place on the starting grid in Saudi Arabia. In races, his average is 1.3. His stats are impressive and his dominance on the court is indisputable. He does it easily, smoothly and with a wide margin. If anyone had doubts about his title in 2021, his performance in 2022 was impeccable and it seems that this year it will be even more forceful. According to trends, the prevalence of Max every year will be even greater.

In addition, it has a car that is clearly superior to that of its rivals. While the fans celebrate that Mercedes has overcome the rebound problems of its car or that Ferrari no longer makes mistakes in the pits, Red Bull continues to push forward with determination. After 40% of the championship has been disputed, it is clear that, barring misfortunes, Max will be three-time champion and Red Bull will once again take the brand’s crown. However, being the best does not always mean being the most loved, and Verstappen is a clear example of this. Why does Max lose dramatically in affection stats? Here are five reasons why the Dutch driver finds it easier to win in the Sunday races than in the hearts of the fans.

1. Lack of charisma

Max doesn’t care about charisma or making his surroundings feel comfortable. He is serious in his statements, he has grim gestures and a diva attitude, which people don’t like. He does not have the charisma of Fernando Alonso, he is not a character like Räikkönen, he does not have the charm of Button or the grace of Vettel or the eccentricism of Lewis Hamilton. He generates the same empathy as a cookie vending machine. This personality, in the past, would not have been a problem, but in these hyper-connected times and with the obligation to constantly attend to the media, these weaknesses are more noticeable. It’s no secret that Verstappen has the persona of a villain from a James Bond movie.

2. Dad doesn’t help

Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, is incredibly arrogant. He does not hesitate to affirm that part of his son’s talent is the product of his DNA. This statement arises because Jos contested 107 Grands Prix between 1994 and 2003, but if we dig deeper, he erodes when remembering that he never won a race. However, Jos was instrumental in the demands he placed on Max during his formative years and in the financial support he provided for his son’s dream. From this arrogance, José is an expert in fanning the flames with gasoline. The media know that they only need to put a microphone on it to get controversial lines. Between affirmation and affirmation, the Verstappens have managed to make everyone look at them badly in the paddock.

3. The hatred of Lewis fans

You can’t win seven titles and not have fans. Although many fans can’t stand Lewis Hamilton, a sizeable group loves him. We must not forget that he was the first black driver to become a champion and that his activist attitudes have won the affection of considerable communities. For this reason, when the Briton lost the championship in 2021, in the chaotic definition of Abu Dhabi, many of his followers automatically hated the usurper Verstappen. It’s not rational, it’s not fair, it’s not deserved, but it’s real. It’s impossible to be a Lewis fan and recognize Max. It is a natural contradiction that has unfairly made a considerable group of fans hate Verstappen by inheritance.

4. Bad partner

Verstappen has always been a selfish, angry and conceited teammate. Carlos Sainz suffered it during his years at Toro Rosso, Ricciardo at Red Bull and now Checo Pérez. There are not a few episodes in which we have heard Max ignore the orders of his team to give up the position. The most in Brazil last year, when the Red Bull team asked him to let Checo Pérez, who was fighting for the runner-up, pass, he simply refused. This attitude was seen as an affront by many fans, given that, in the definition of 2021, the Mexican was vital in Abu Dhabi and even in 2022 they played together on more than one occasion to prioritize Verstappen’s interests.

5. Lack of surprise

The constant appearances on the podium, the strength of his victories and his wide advantage are turning the category into a predictable sport. There is no mystery anymore. Max has the fastest monoposto, he is the most precise pilot, and he has no loyalties to anyone. When he starts back on the grid, no one doubts that he will be in first place at some point. Nothing kills passion more than routine, and Max is numbing any chance of surprise. It’s not his fault that he always wins, but many see him as the great killjoy of emotion.

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