Simon Lazenby reveals what ‘you don’t see’ with Max Verstappen that makes him so well respected in F1

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Max Verstappen has had his fair share of bad press during his F1 career, and Simon Lazenby has revealed what ‘you don’t see’ from the four-time world champion that makes him one of the most honest drivers on the grid.

Since becoming a four-time world champion and dealing with a sub-optimal Red Bull F1 car during the opening stages of the current campaign, Verstappen has become a more popular figure with fans who may not have been too keen on him in the past.

The Dutchman has butted heads with the media at race weekends in the past, including an infamous boycott of Sky Sports F1 in 2022 after Verstappen took a comment from Ted Kravitz the wrong way.

After filming a promotional video with the Red Bull star earlier in the season, Chris Harris revealed the bizarre way in which Verstappen is portrayed in the media, noting that he is a very ‘uncomplicated man’ who just happens to be naturally talented.

READ MORE: Laurent Mekies’ ‘honest’ verdict on whether Max Verstappen would beat Lando Norris in Mexico re-run

Simon Lazenby shares why Max Verstappen is one of the most ‘honest drivers’ on the F1 grid

Speaking as a guest on the Road to Success podcast, Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby was asked about his favourite Verstappen moment from behind the scenes in the F1 paddock.

After a few moments of deliberation, the 50-year-old replied, “Max is head and shoulders the best driver on the grid currently.

“And also, the thing that you don’t see with Max so often, or whatever the perception might be, for me, he’s one of the most honest drivers out there.

“I, for one, have nothing but the greatest respect for him. I think that he’s super down-to-earth considering who he is. He really has clung on to who he was, and you don’t get that from all of them.

“He might be tough in front of the camera sometimes, but that’s because you get that if you’re a four-time world champion. You get that with everything that’s happened at Red Bull and after 2021. But I’ve got nothing but respect for him. I think he’s just incredible.

“Favourite moment? I just like it when he’s in the pen and he’s honest. He does not shy away from the tough questions. And if he thinks that someone’s asking him a question that he deems as stupid, he’ll call it out.”

Previously, Jos Verstappen shared his ire at how Max’s image is illustrated online, echoing a similar sentiment to Lazenby’s verdict on how grounded the four-time world champion is for someone of his stature.

READ MORE: Andrea Stella knows Max Verstappen will punish McLaren’s drivers if one thing happens at the Sao Paulo GP

Max Verstappen has been of help to the six F1 rookies on the grid in 2025

Through his friendship with the Red Bull star that extends past the confines of the F1 calendar, Gabriel Bortoleto has benefited from having someone of Verstappen’s experience in his corner throughout the Brazilian’s rookie campaign.

Bortoleto revealed that Verstappen advised his tyre choice for his debut weekend in Australia at the start of 2025, as well as highlighting the role that the Dutchman played in getting him a seat on the grid in the first place.

Verstappen frequently partakes in sim-races alongside Bortoleto outside of their commitments in Formula 1, which is something that has helped the 21-year-old in his preparations at tracks that he hasn’t previously raced at.

Kimi Antonelli is another rookie who profited from Verstappen’s wisdom ahead of his introduction to the category at the start of the year.

In a similar fashion to Bortoleto, the 19-year-old has raced alongside the reigning world champion in a virtual capacity in the past, also noting the interest that the 28-year-old shows in the junior categories during his downtime on race weekends.