Womp Womp: Verstappen Claims LEGO F1 Parade Portrays Drivers as ‘Children and Clowns’

      Mark Thompson via Getty

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      The Lego car drivers’ parade at last year’s Miami Grand Prix was a standout event of the season, showcasing Formula 1 drivers enjoying themselves before switching to race mode. However, for Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, it may have been a bit too much fun.

      Ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, where another Lego drivers’ parade is scheduled for Sunday, the four-time champion expressed to the media that he finds it unseemly. Despite the cheerful picture of Verstappen above, he stated he would prefer to play with Lego sets “at home.”

      “At the end of the day, we are Formula 1 drivers, and I think we shouldn’t appear as kids and clowns attempting to collide with each other,” Verstappen said, according to Motorsport.com. “I don't believe that's what Formula 1 needs, but it is what it is.”

      Hector Vivas via Getty

      This year's Lego cars will still consist of the same 28,000 bricks as last year, though the new version 2.0 appears more sturdy and notably smaller. After seeing them up close earlier today, they now feature a bumper similar to those on rental karts—likely a response to last year's events when many drivers, including Max, broke them while playing around, scattering Lego pieces across the track.

      To add to the fun, this year, each driver will have their own car instead of sharing one per team, which might lead some drivers to indulge in a bit of playful antics, or they might aim for the top speed of 15.5 mph and race to the finish line. Either way, and speaking personally, it’s bound to be an entertaining spectacle, whether you attend the race live or watch it on television. As for Verstappen, he would rather ride on a livestock trailer as it gets pulled around the track.

      “I’d rather play with Lego at home, you know, with the kids. Not on a go-kart here, to be honest,” Verstappen told the outlet. “I prefer to stand on a truck, just with everyone together. I think that’s more enjoyable and looks more professional.”

      According to the report, Lewis Hamilton also isn’t keen on the Lego car parade lap, though no specific reasons were mentioned. Reigning champion Lando Norris, on the other hand, is excited about it, sharing his enthusiasm during the FIA press conference.

      “I’m quite looking forward to it, actually!” Norris said. “If it’s anything like Miami, I think anyone who makes it back to the starting line will already be a winner. I think it’s a fun activity. It’s something different.

      “Of course, you’re all together, and you can have a bit of a chat and see the fans while you’re on the truck, but I think it’s nice to do something different from time to time. As long as it’s safe and we all behave, which we will, it should be a fantastic ride,” Norris stated per Motorsport.com.

      Is Verstappen being overly serious, or does he have a valid point here?