Verstappen once again skips the 'F1' film event.

      "You shouldn’t compel me to go somewhere."

      While many of his Formula 1 competitors changed into formal attire on Monday, four-time world champion Max Verstappen remained in his overalls and helmet. The prominent figures of the F1 paddock traveled directly from Montreal to New York to join Brad Pitt and other Hollywood stars for the glamorous premiere of the sport’s latest feature film. However, Verstappen, who had also skipped the recent private Monaco screening of the "F1" movie, opted to head to the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

      Late on Monday evening, as the New York event was underway, the Red Bull driver's private jet landed at Flamierge airport, close to Spa. On Tuesday, he began testing in the 'Verstappen.com Racing'-branded Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car, reportedly assisting his team in preparing for the upcoming 24 Hours of Spa.

      "I truly hope it is a good and successful film and has a positive impact on Formula 1," Verstappen stated after Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix. "You shouldn’t compel me to go somewhere, because that’s not how it should be."

      Despite this, the 27-year-old's name was on the lips of many at the red carpet event in New York. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff continued to navigate a delicate balance between criticizing Red Bull and leaving the possibility open for Verstappen to join his team. Wolff described Red Bull's post-Canadian GP protest regarding George Russell's driving behind the safety car as "ridiculous" and "petty."

      Nevertheless, both Wolff and Russell emphasized that Verstappen was not part of that decision. "I know 100 percent that Max was not behind this because I am certain he would never opt to protest something so trivial," said Wolff. Russell, present in New York as well, concurred: "I don’t think Max was even aware of the protests."

      This creates a tricky situation for Russell, as he could be the one displaced if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull before the significant regulatory changes in 2026. Wolff justified his choice to postpone the extension of Russell's contract for the time being. "It's merely a matter of timing when we will address these issues," he remarked. "Currently, we have triple weekends – back-to-back races in June and July – but we will handle it. George has been in the Mercedes junior program since he was 16, so his race wins or performance will not influence our decision. We are fully aware of his capabilities," added Wolff.