David Croft shares how Max Verstappen’s fans reacted after his ‘stick to commentating’ jibe, ‘to be honest…’

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen is rarely shy about sharing his thoughts and feelings about situations in Formula 1.

However, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was the latest example of Max Verstappen biting his tongue on one issue that left him frustrated during the race.

Verstappen and Oscar Piastri went wheel-to-wheel heading into the first corner of the race, and the Red Bull driver was handed a five-second penalty for being adjudged to have left the track and gained an advantage over the McLaren star.

Red Bull and Verstappen disagreed with the penalty over the team radio, but after the race, the four-time world champion kept his thoughts to himself, suggesting that he may get in trouble if he shared what he really thought about the decision.

Verstappen has stayed silent in official F1 press conferences in the past after earning a punishment for swearing at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix and then conducting an impromptu meeting with the press in the paddock.

Commentator David Croft frequently attends these press conferences and shared how the Dutchman’s fans reacted when he asked about Helmut Marko’s comments on Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

David Croft explains how Max Verstappen’s fans reacted to ‘stick to commentating’ jibe

In an interview with The Times, Croft recalled his exchange with Verstappen and explained, “Max brushed it off.

“I kind of expected that he would do, so I just said, ‘So Helmut’s got the wrong end of the stick?’ and then he said, ‘Just focus on commentating’ and I think he was joking, to be honest.

“Max and I have a really good relationship, I’ve known him from the outset. We’ve never rowed about anything — he’s never come to me and gone, ‘I don’t like what you said’.

“[But] some of the Max fans pick up on that and then just blame me for the question. That’s my job — people just choose to attack me. Fine.

“You can attack me as much as you want. I’ll be there at the next press conference, and it’s not going to put me off asking the question. In the public eye and on social media you’ve got to have the skin of a rhino.”

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David Croft recalls commentating on Max Verstappen iconic 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory

Croft was joined by Martin Brundle in the commentary box for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for one of the most iconic moments in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton lost out to Verstappen on the final lap, and reflecting on that day, Croft said, “Being in the thick of it… entrusted to deliver a commentary that everyone could follow. I’m not expecting it, because ten laps from the end Lewis was cruising to an eighth world title.

“We must have handled it well, we won a Bafta for it. What an adrenaline moment.

“I’ve got to deliver a line at the end that I know is going to be replayed over and over again.

“All those Murray clips that we listen to, there will be a few of mine in that as well, which I still find really weird, to be honest.

“I just love this job and I don’t take it for granted or see myself as some big superstar. I’m just the voice for people on a Sunday afternoon.”

Verstappen has ended up at the centre of plenty of controversial moments during his Formula 1 career, even if, as was the case in Saudi Arabia, he’s actively not trying to talk about his Red Bull future.

Franz Tost has suggested Verstappen’s most likely next destination, but the Dutchman is fully focused on winning in 2025, rather than considering his next step on the grid.