Magnussen denounces Verstappen: 'Keep your opinions to yourself'

F1 News

kevin magnussen critical of max verstappen over show las vegas
21 November 2023 at 18:00
  • Ludo van Denderen

Kevin Magnussen drove an anonymous Las Vegas Grand Prix, which - like almost every race this season - ended with no points for the Haas driver. Yet it was undoubtedly an important race for the Dane, as it was finished in his team's home country. In the glitz and glamour of the gambling city in the American desert, Magnussen - like most drivers - had the necessary commitments with sponsors, fans and the media. More than average, but the Dane would not complain about that.

Indeed, Magnussen became irritated by colleagues who loudly expressed their annoyance at the many commitments and shows surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Without mentioning his name, Magnussen was undoubtedly referring to Max Verstappen. The world champion was quite outspoken about the show element in Las Vegas last week. About the opening ceremony, for example, the Dutchman said that the drivers looked "like a clown."

Magnussen wants more appreciation

Such statements therefore go down the wrong way with Magnussen. He told Racefans: "It’s fine to have an opinion. Maybe you should keep it for yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all on pretty good salaries, living a good life, and that’s all because of this. So at the end of the day maybe we should show a little bit more appreciation", the Haas driver said.

Incidentally, Verstappen did express extreme positivity about the track and the fight on it after the Grand Prix he won. In retrospect, Las Vegas turned out to be the race where he had to go the deepest to take the win this season.