Ex-F1 chief Eddie Jordan has blasted Max Verstappen’s decision to mix virtual racing with the real deal – and says he “wouldn’t have allowed” it on his watch.
The flying Dutchman took part in a four-hour virtual endurance race just after bagging pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He has now been under the spotlight for his double-duty driving.
While Verstappen’s team, Red Bull, didn’t bat an eyelid over his online racing antics, which helped Team Redline clinch victory, Jordan has made it clear that such multitasking wouldn’t fly with him. Speaking on his Formula For Success podcast, the former F1 boss reckoned that balancing virtual and actual racing could mess with a driver’s focus, especially when they’re raking in big bucks to perform on the track.
READ MORE: Supermodel causes Canadian Grand Prix chaos by waving chequered flag too early
READ MORE: Martin Brundle’s chaotic Monaco grid walk saw mechanic swear on TV before awkward chat
Jordan didn’t mince his words saying that if he was in charge and not Christian Horner, it would not have been sanctioned. “I wouldn’t have allowed it if I had been the boss,” he said.
“If I had been Christian, I’d have said, ‘I’m sorry Max, you’re here, you’re being paid this kind of money to represent the sponsors, the team, everybody associated with the suppliers etc.’ And I think it’s very hard to have total concentration, certainly I know this from myself because I don’t have that.”
Jordan did concede that Verstappen’s level of focus isn’t typical, adding: “Max must be a different kind of make-up and I’m seeing the focus that he’s got like we talked about. He’s in a different league, isn’t he? You never had any doubt that he was going to win that race, he’s an immense character.”
Verstappen, revealing his plans to join the virtual race, stated he didn’t need his team’s approval to participate. The 26-year-old racing star also hit back at critics of his decision, insisting he knows what’s best for him and how he spends his “free time”, reports the Express.
Do you think Max Verstappen should’ve been allowed to play in the virtual race? Let us know in the comments section below.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Whether I had to ask permission? No, in the end I decide what I do,” Verstappen declared. “Nor can I decide for other people what they do on a Saturday night. People can go somewhere to eat or drink and go crazy. It’s my free time. I am professional enough to see for myself what can and cannot be done.”
Verstappen defended his professionalism, asserting his “years of experience” have taught him what he can handle. “People will say that I don’t care,” the Red Bull man said. “As I said, I am professional enough. I also don’t think in scenarios like, ‘I did something yesterday, so that can affect today’s day,” he added.
“Look, if you don’t go to bed and don’t sleep, it won’t be good. But with so many years of experience, I really know what I can do. The last few races I also started gaming in my spare time and you don’t hear anyone [complain] about that.”
Verstappen is currently leading the pack, 56 points ahead of his closest rival Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings, as we head into the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.