IndyCar Icon Exposes Reason for Hate Against Max Verstappen in F1

Former Indy 500 winner revealed the reason behind massive hate towards Max Verstappen's 'old-school' approach to F1.

IndyCar Icon Exposes Reason for Hate Against Max Verstappen in F1

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen is arguably the biggest name in Formula 1. The Red Bull star dominated the start of the ground-effect era and has won four consecutive titles in a row. Over the years, the Dutchman enjoyed a massive fanbase and earned an equally large group of haters. Now, former Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk has revealed the reason for hate towards Verstappen.

Max Verstappen is a traditional racer, like his mentor Dr. Helmut Marko. The two have formed an incredible bond ever since the 27-year-old became a part of the Red Bull driver program. Both, Verstappen and Marko are infamous for speaking without any filter on any topic.

Luyendyk reckoned that Marko’s old-school personality no longer worked in today’s day and age. Society had changed in recent years and now being tough and straightforward was not encouraged or appreciated. The IndyCar star reckoned that Max Verstappen had a similar personality to Marko. Thus, the reigning world champion’s straightforward attitude was the reason for the hate he received from fans.

Marko is an old-school tough guy. A lot of people don’t like it because it’s not our era right now. That’s not about what humanity is about, being that tough and that straightforward. That’s why Max gets a lot of anti, a lot of bad, not press, but from the fans maybe, because he’s so direct.

Arie Luyendyk told The RACER

Arie Luyendyk not happy with F1’s crackdown on Max Verstappen’s outspoken attitude

Max Verstappen has never been afraid to speak his mind. This has got the reigning world champion in trouble on multiple occasions. Verstappen has even been forced to do community service for swearing during a press conference. Though, following such debacles, the Red Bull star protested by simply staying silent and not answering anything in official sessions.

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Getty)
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Getty)

Arie Luyendyk reckoned that paying fines was not a problem for Max Verstappen. After all, the Dutch driver is one of the top earners in the sporting world. However, the IndyCar star was sad to see the situation come to a point where drivers are forced to self-censor. He recalled the time when NASCAR icons like Tony Stewart were loved for having such a personality.

He could afford it, but it’s too bad because I think, drivers like Foyt, Tony Stewart, they spoke their mind. And they were loved for it.

Arie Luyendyk added

Max Verstappen is not going to change himself. The reigning world champion is least bothered about what critics might think about him. Rather, the Red Bull star prefers to do the talking on-track. However, it is always entertaining for fans to see Verstappen take jibes at the FIA or the rules every now and then.

Read More: IndyCar Icon Calls Lando Norris a ’12-Year-Old’ Against Max Verstappen in Head-to-Head Battles