Canadian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen expected at press day

Thursdays traditionally mark the beginning of a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, even if there is no on-track action yet, the spectacle unfolds in the paddocks, where drivers speak throughout the media day in their teams’ hospitality areas.

Max Verstappen expected at press conference

This week, in Canada, the 20 drivers will speak to the press, either during sessions organized in the motorhomes of their respective teams or, for some, during the official FIA press conference scheduled for the afternoon. Many journalists and TV crews will have privileged access to the drivers during these various appearances.

But no session generates as much anticipation as the opening of the Red Bull space, where Max Verstappen is preparing to make his first public statement since the controversy at the Spanish Grand Prix. His speech is scheduled for 4:10 PM (local time, 10:10 PM in France), in Montreal.

And it would take another driver to make an exceptional statement to prevent Max Verstappen from occupying the newspaper headlines. Unless he chooses to remain silent… For now, only an Instagram post has given a glimpse of the Dutchman’s mood regarding the incidents in Barcelona: the pit stop to switch to hard tires, the order to let George Russell pass without an obvious reason, and of course, the collision with the Mercedes driver.

An incident that continues to make waves

Max Verstappen received a 10-second penalty and three penalty points on his license. He is now one point away from a suspension for a Grand Prix — a potential setback in his pursuit of another world title.

Since then, speculations have been rife: should the reigning champion change his aggressive driving style to avoid a suspension? Unlikely. True to himself, Max Verstappen should continue to race as he always has — **with tenacity and without compromise** — but this defiant attitude does not necessarily apply to his media appearances.

We remember that in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, he had refused to comment on a first-round incident that cost him victory in Jeddah, stating that his remarks could get him in trouble with the FIA: « The problem is that I can’t give my opinion because I might be penalized. So, it’s better to say nothing. »

« Everything I could say on the subject could cause me trouble », he had stated. Max Verstappen has always been candid with the media, especially if it could destabilize a rival. But since his public sanction in Singapore last year for swearing in a press conference, he has sometimes adopted a lower profile.

Thus, this Thursday in Montreal, no car will yet be racing on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, but Max Verstappen’s reaction to the Barcelona controversies could be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Read also: George Russell: “Verstappen, it’s either victory or the wall, that’s his style”