Verstappen cautions rival team principals regarding upcoming discussions about the future of F1.

      Max Verstappen has made it clear that he’s not interested in receiving calls from rival Formula 1 team bosses. Between the Miami and Imola races, the four-time world champion was speeding at remarkable rates on the infamous Nordschleife circuit in a Ferrari GT3 car.

      Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher commented to Sky Deutschland that if he were Verstappen’s team principal, he would question his sanity. However, Verstappen’s Red Bull leaders, Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko, maintain that they have no issue with their star driver’s activities, with Marko noting that their team is simply more "liberal" compared to others. For example, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff is known for firmly prohibiting his drivers from participating in risky pursuits.

      During an interview at Imola, De Telegraaf inquired about Verstappen’s well-known recent phone discussion with Wolff. "I believe it was our first genuine conversation since 2021," the 27-year-old stated. "We resolved a few matters from that year and also discussed future prospects," he continued. "For me, it’s not solely about Formula 1. People often assume that my future decisions are only influenced by what happens in this realm, but I’m engaged in many other pursuits as well. That’s not something every team can provide."

      Indeed, Red Bull has lifted the ban on Verstappen skiing during the winter, and he now has their approval to set records at the Nordschleife. "That’s correct," Verstappen responded with a smile. "And if - if - I ever move elsewhere, my life will still follow the same routine. I won’t restrict myself in these aspects. If someone disapproves of my hobbies, that’s their choice. But in that case, I won’t even take their call."

      Verstappen is committed to remaining in Formula 1 "at least until 2028," but not further at this time. "It’s clear I don’t enjoy everything in this environment, but I do appreciate working with my team and the racing itself. A fourth-place finish like in Miami isn’t what motivates me, but it’s still better than coming in last."

      Currently, McLaren has the leading package, although both of their drivers are under long-term contracts. Interestingly, team CEO Zak Brown has stated at Imola that he would allow Verstappen to continue skiing and driving GT3 cars if he were to drive for McLaren. "We generally prefer to see our drivers in our race cars, but as long as they remain focused on Formula 1 and are simply enjoying a day away, it’s completely acceptable," he told Bild newspaper.

      After being criticized by McLaren’s Lando Norris in Miami for seemingly being willing to crash when rivals attempt to overtake, Verstappen responded, "That doesn’t bother me at all." He added, "When I leave the track, I shift my focus to my GT3 project and my sim racing team, Redline. I find those pursuits far more enjoyable and engaging than concerning myself with others' opinions about me."