Jan Lammers leaps to Max Verstappen's defence

Former Formula One driver Jan Lammers has backed Max Verstappen following yet more criticism for the young Dutchman.

Both Sebastian Vettel and championship leader Nico Rosberg hit out at the teenager for separate incidents during the Mexican Grand Prix.


Lammers, 60, said he was a big fan of his compatriot, but also insisted he is a "big fan of objectivity".

"With that in mind I need to get something of my chest," he wrote on his Facebook page.

"I thought about the criticism and looked back at what Verstappen did that was so terrible. Looking back from when he started his first GP in 2015, I conclude that it was nothing, absolutely nothing," said Lammers.

"Yes, he did upset a few people, simply because he passed them in a brilliant way or they couldn't pass him because he was clever and skilful in defending. Of course he 'nearly' touched people or they 'nearly' touched him, but that's the skill part of it!"

Lammers, also hit out at Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda, who called Verstappen "arrogant" and "unacceptable".

But Lammers argued that Verstappen has never even damaged another competitor's car, unlike both Mercedes drivers.

"How many of you Formula One drivers can say that over the last two years?" he said. "Certainly not your two choir boys, Mr Lauda!"

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 3,453
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 235
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar