F1 host claims Max Verstappen has leaked ‘confidential’ Red Bull recruitment details in his radio message

F1 pundit Ted Kravitz has suggested that Max Verstappen may have leaked a confidential message as he was heard congratulating the long-serving Michael Manning.

F1 host claims Max Verstappen has leaked ‘confidential’ Red Bull recruitment details in his radio message

Michael Manning and Max Verstappen (via imago)

Max Verstappen won the US Grand Prix in stunning fashion while starting P6 on the grid. The Dutchman was seen congratulating Michael Manning, a long-serving engineer at Red Bull as he crossed the chequered flag. This singular note of appreciation towards Manning raised eyebrows in the paddock as many questioned the purpose of the radio call.

Verstappen’s intriguing radio call after the Grand Prix victory read, “Well done Manning, great job there.” F1 pit-lane reporter and host, Ted Kravitz was keen to investigate the call further. He later commented on his findings as he approached the engineer, Michael Manning, himself. Kravitz revealed his conversation with Manning as he asked the engineer about Verstappen’s radio call. Kravitz said [as reported by express.co.uk].

I know he's been at Red Bull an awful long time. 'What's happening, are you off?' And he said 'No comment, that's confidential.’
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Max Verstappen was himself asked about the radio call later but the driver dismissed it as being a simple congratulatory note for a ‘good start’ from the grid at the Grand Prix.

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Yeah, he's my start guy, I mean, the poor guy has had a few tough races, so I was just joking that it wasn't too bad this time.

However, Kravitz admitted that Manning’s reply sighting it to be a confidential matter means that there is something afoot at the Red Bull Garage and that Max Verstappen, jovially slipped up about it.

Max Verstappen responds to being booed at the US GP

Following his triumph, Verstappen found himself subjected to boos from the crowd at COTA as he celebrated his win on the top step of the podium in Parc Ferme. This response was likely influenced by the immense popularity of his rival, Lewis Hamilton, in the States along with his own teammate – Sergio Perez. Hamilton’s outstanding performance saw him finish as the runner-up, trailing Verstappen by just 2 seconds. The audience fervently cheered for Hamilton, hoping he would close the gap rapidly.

Max Verstappen (via wallpaper.net)
Max Verstappen (via Wallpaper.net)

Despite the crowd’s reaction, Verstappen remained composed and offered a smirking response when addressing the boos. In an interview with ViaPlay, Verstappen casually talked about it. 

In the end, I'm the one who takes home the silverware, so it's fine with me.

This victory marked Verstappen’s 50th Grand Prix win, this left fans wondering about the milestones he might achieve in the future.

Max Verstappen witnessed a torrid end to his US GP qualifying as the Red Bull saw his lap time deleted. This cancelled lap time would have put the Dutch driver on Pole but Verstappen had to start the Grand Prix from P6. Despite his absence from the front row, Max Verstappen claimed his 15th win in 2023 in stunning style and composure.