Red Bull Racing recently stirred up excitement among fans by teasing Max Verstappen with one of his most iconic radio messages from the 2020 Formula 1 season. The message was broadcast during the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Verstappen defiantly declared that he wouldn't drive "like a grandma" while pursuing Mercedes.
The context behind the message is a moment etched in F1 history. During the race, Verstappen found himself in third place, trailing behind the dominant Mercedes duo. His race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, advised him to manage his tyres carefully—a standard strategy considering Mercedes' pace and the potential risks of tyre degradation.
Here is the radio message:
Won the race. Won the radio as well 👏#F170 🇬🇧 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/TZTbbkeLuH
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 10, 2020
However, Verstappen's competitive spirit was on full display when he responded, “Mate, this is the only chance of being close to the Mercedes. I’m not just sitting behind like a grandma.” This cheeky remark not only showcased Verstappen's determination but also foreshadowed the bold move that would lead him to victory that day.
Max Verstappen registered an iconic victory!
As the race unfolded, Verstappen seized the opportunity, overtaking both Mercedes cars and breaking their streak of four consecutive wins that season. It was a race that highlighted his aggressive yet calculated driving style, earning him a well-deserved win at Silverstone.
The revival of this iconic message has sparked a wave of nostalgia and admiration among F1 fans. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, as fans reminisce about Verstappen's audacious approach to racing and how it has defined his career. Many have praised the Dutch driver's refusal to play it safe, especially when he had the chance to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Mercedes team.
One fan commented, “Max is not your girlfriend Red Bull.” Another noted, "Max's response was the perfect mix of humour and determination. That win at Silverstone was a turning point." Verstappen himself later joked about the incident, admitting that his grandma was actually “pretty quick in a road car.”
Here are some fan reactions:
Max is not your girlfriend Red Bull
— snoozie 🥑 (@snoozie_v) August 9, 2024
Max is always at his mighty best. Max and GP are a couple 💑 😁 #f1
— Cappy (@Racer_gal) August 10, 2024
If my grandma had 4 wheels she’d be a RedBull F1 racing car… hey @Ginofantastico ?🤌🤌😂🤣
— Nadia♥️F1🏎️ (@Nadia24Perth) August 9, 2024
The day I became a @Max33Verstappen fan.
— Michael Klinck (@Michael_Klinck) August 9, 2024
The day I became a @Max33Verstappen fan.
— Michael Klinck (@Michael_Klinck) August 9, 2024
I hope the team gets this vibe back after the break and going to kick some ass
— Frank Wolthuis (@WolthuisFrank) August 9, 2024
Max did NOT want to cosplay as a grandma 😭🙏🏻
— zaa | emotionally unavailable (@thef1villain) August 9, 2024
Some of these were absolute classics 🤣
— PulpDefi🍊 (@Defi_Tailor) August 9, 2024