Max Verstappen’s recent interview, where he said he was considering leaving F1, breached the sport’s rules, according to BBC reporter Andrew Benson. The Red Bull ace recently made it clear he is not enjoying the new generation of F1 cars.
He has even described it as “Formula E on steroids” during pre-season testing. In his latest interview with BBC Sport, he admitted he has been left wondering if competing is “worth it.”
Reacting to his comments, Benson said Verstappen’s interview contravened with the sport’s regulations, as the BBC reporter who extracted his emotive quotes was afforded five questions, when it is usually only two each.
Benson said: “The interview Verstappen gave on Sunday was extraordinary. Not just for its openness, honesty and eloquence, but also for the fact he was happy to keep talking beyond the usual limits.
“F1’s guidelines restrict broadcasters to two questions in the ‘pen’ after a race. But Jennie Gow (BBC reporter) sensed Verstappen’s mood, and kept going, asking five in total. Anna Webster, Verstappen’s PR handler at Red Bull, realised he wanted to keep talking, so let them carry on.”