Max Verstappen, a name now synonymous with dominance in Formula 1, took a trip down memory lane as he recalled the exhilarating—and slightly terrifying—feeling of jumping into an F1 car for the very first time. The Dutchman, now a three-time world champion, has been a force in the sport since debuting in 2014, but even he admits that his first taste of F1 machinery was overwhelming.
In a candid interview during the current break in the 2024 F1 season, Verstappen shared the visceral experience of his first F1 practice session at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
“When you jump back in the F1 car, you know that it’s going to be quick, the acceleration and everything. You’re kind of prepared for it. But I remember, of course, the very first time that I jumped in an F1 car, it was almost like I couldn’t keep up with the speed,” Verstappen revealed. “It’s non-stop in an F1 car initially, and then your body gets used to it more and more. But in the beginning, it was quite a shock.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with F1 fans—despite Verstappen’s composed demeanor on the track today, even the greatest drivers experience a learning curve. Over time, he adapted to the incredible speed, eventually becoming one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen.
But while Verstappen reminisced about his early days in Formula 1, his name has recently been tied to controversy rather than his on-track exploits. The now-infamous “Singapore swearing saga” continues to make headlines, sparking debate within the F1 community.
The issue stems from Verstappen’s use of explicit language during the Singapore Grand Prix, where he dropped the F-bomb in frustration over his car’s performance. Though his words weren’t directed at anyone in particular, the incident caught the attention of F1’s governing body, the FIA, leading to a broader conversation about driver conduct.
Ex-Haas team principal Guenther Steiner weighed in on the controversy, criticizing the FIA’s handling of the situation: “Max didn’t swear at anybody. He used the F-word about his car. So nobody got offended by it, in my opinion. The best way [to handle it] would have been not to make a big story of it. Sit down with the drivers, they have a meeting every weekend, and say: Hey, guys, can you tone it down a little bit?”
As the swearing saga lingers, many are calling for the FIA to move on from the incident, especially with the 2024 season entering its final stretch. With six races remaining, Verstappen faces a legitimate challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who is just 52 points behind in the standings. The last thing Verstappen needs is to be distracted by a controversy that could overshadow his championship push.
As Verstappen continues to fight for another title, one thing is clear: he’s come a long way from being the 17-year-old overwhelmed by the sheer speed of an F1 car. Now, he’s focused on maintaining his dominance—and steering clear of any more unnecessary distractions.
