Max Verstappen’s plans for Formula 1’s summer break left his fellow drivers chuckling and a journalist embarrassed.
The reigning world champion took sprint and race wins at the Belgian Grand Prix, extending his title lead to a whopping 125 points.
2
2
Completely untouchable at the front of the field, the Dutchman came from sixth on the grid to beat teammate Sergio Perez, who was in second, by 22 seconds.
Well on his way to a third straight world title, Verstappen has won 10 out of 12 races in 2023, and will likely enjoy the most relaxed four-week summer break of his career.
When asked how he will be spending his time off by a Brazilian journalist in the post-race press conference, the 25-year-old had the room in stitches.
“A lot of cardio and a lot of wrist training,” he said. “And not what you think it is, you’re a dirty man.”
The joke was likely in reference to one of his only struggles this season, the wind at Spa Francorchamps.
During his victory, a race full of interesting team radio messages saw Verstappen complain about the weather.
Despite Sunday being far drier than Friday and Saturday’s rain-soaked running, there was another issue for the race-leader.
He told his team: “It’s so windy I have to hold the wheel really tight.”
So treacherous were the conditions that Verstappen lost control of his car through one of motorsport’s most dangerous corners, Eau Rouge to Radillion, saying on radio: “F*** I nearly lost it!”