Naomi Schiff slams ‘disrespectful’ Max Verstappen after angry radio rant
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Sky F1 commentator Naomi Schiff criticized Max Verstappen for being "disrespectful" and condemned his behavior on team radio during a tense Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
During an intense 70-lap race, Verstappen had run-ins with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton. Unfortunately, a collision with Hamilton caused him to drop to fifth place, just when a podium finish seemed achievable.
The Red Bull driver used strong language multiple times while talking with engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and complained about the team's strategy. They were unhappy with the decision to pit later than other teams, calling it a bad move.
After the race, Verstappen expressed his strong emotions, telling critics to "get lost" and, in a different interview, he said that those who dislike his emotional outbursts on the radio should just "stay home."
"I'm contemplating Max's statement regarding 'staying home' and I'm not sure if he's talking about the team or the fans," Schiff expressed to Sky Sports F1. "I perceive it as a disrespectful message."
He needs to keep in mind that teamwork is essential, even though he is the star driver. There are many others supporting him to achieve these results.
"Sometimes, on a day like today, you have to make sure your team is all on the same page. If you speak to them in a certain way or say certain things, you can alienate them."
Verstappen has frequently shown his emotions while talking to engineer Lambiase before, but Schiff thinks the driver should consider that their conversations are being heard by others, particularly children.
"I am aware that GP [Lambiase] has received a lot of communication from Max in the past, and they have always described their relationship that way, which is completely acceptable," she stated.
However, it is possible that other individuals tuning in to the radio broadcast, who are also members of the team, may not appreciate being addressed in such a manner.
I don't think it's great. I understand that as a driver, wearing your helmet can create a tense atmosphere. Football players don't have microphones on their uniforms, and I'm sure if we could hear them, we'd hear some colorful language.
"In this activity, there is a microphone connected to a radio that broadcasts to fans all around the world, even children."
Oscar Piastri emerged victorious in the Budapest race as McLaren made Norris relinquish his first-place position for his teammate. Despite this, Norris's second-place finish narrowed Verstappen's lead in the world championship to 76 points before the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.
