Verstappen reveals French language skills during gaming stream

Max Verstappen showcased an unexpected talent during a recent online gaming session: fluency in French. The Red Bull driver, already known for speaking Dutch, English, and German, casually used the phrase "C'est pas bon" (It's not good) while streaming the game FC 26 with teammates. This linguistic reveal came as Verstappen waited in Barcelona for his turn during Red Bull's preseason shakedown, which was delayed due to a crash and parts shipment issues.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's multilingual abilities highlight the international lifestyle of a modern Formula 1 driver and offer a rare, unfiltered glimpse into his off-track personality. While seemingly a minor detail, it underscores how drivers constantly adapt to global environments, with Verstappen now residing in Monaco, a French-speaking principality. These casual moments help humanize the reigning world champion beyond his track persona.

The details:

• The language moment occurred on a Team Redline stream where Verstappen was playing with sim racers Jarno Opmeer and Luke Crane.
• His French interjection, "C'est pas bon," was a reaction to the team's performance in the game.
• The stream also featured Verstappen's competitive side, including some frustrated swearing during gameplay.
• Location Context: Although his streaming setup featured familiar racing helmets, suggesting he was at home, Verstappen was actually in Barcelona for Red Bull's preseason running.
• Shakedown Delays: Teammate Isack Hadjar crashed the RB22 on Tuesday, requiring repairs. Further delays occurred as parts needed to be flown in from the team's factory in Milton Keynes, UK, pushing Verstappen's scheduled running to the final day of the test.

What's next:

With only Friday remaining in the Barcelona shakedown, the focus returns to the track. Verstappen is expected to get his first laps in the 2026 car, a crucial step in his preseason preparation. For fans, the incident is a reminder that Verstappen's streams continue to be a direct, albeit unpredictable, channel to the driver's life outside the cockpit.