Verstappen would not take GP at another team: 'Absolutely not, never'

When asked if it is important for GP and himself to be so tough and direct towards each other, Verstappen said the following: ''That is absolutely necessary. That's how we are towards each other. We have a lot of respect for each other. The great thing is, we always want more and to get the best out of the situation. That's why we sometimes have those discussions on the radio.'' Seeing each other off the track doesn't happen very often, according to Verstappen: ''We also try to do things off the track, but in the end, you have to make time for your own friends and family. That obviously applies to him as well.''

GP with Verstappen to new team

Even father Jos Verstappen has had an influence on how GP and Max now interact via board radio. It is said he told GP that he could be a bit more antagonistic. ''That's right,'' says Verstappen, ''I was sitting there too when he said that, and that's fine with me. That's the way I want it. I don't want to have a yes-man on the radio, so to speak.'' When Verstappen is asked if he would take GP with him if he ever changed teams, he has to laugh: ''Now I have to watch what I say, otherwise the team is going to sign him for 20 years.'' He is obviously joking when he says: "No, absolutely not, never. '' What he can give certainty about is what kind of people he wants to work with: ''If I were to go somewhere, I would obviously prefer to work with the people I already have a good relationship with and have achieved things with.''