Wheatley Defends Verstappens, Compares Max to Schumacher Amid Criticism

Jonathan Wheatley, the newly appointed Kick Sauber team principal, has publicly defended Max and Jos Verstappen, arguing they are often misunderstood by the media and drawing parallels between Max and Michael Schumacher's treatment.

Why it matters:

Jonathan Wheatley, a seasoned F1 figure, offers a rare insider perspective on the often-criticized Verstappen family, challenging prevailing media narratives and highlighting their genuine passion for the sport.

The details:

• Wheatley, who has known Jos Verstappen since 1993, recounts Jos congratulating him on Nico Hülkenberg's podium finish at Silverstone. This occurred despite Max's own difficult race, which Wheatley cites as a clear example of Jos's camaraderie and human side.
• He asserts that the media's tendency to portray Max as a "villain" is reminiscent of similar criticisms leveled against Michael Schumacher during his active years in Formula 1.
• Wheatley emphasizes that both Max and Jos are "perhaps the most sincere and honest people you can meet," driven by an incredible passion and complete dedication to achieving success.
• He suggests that media reports often present only one side of their story, stating that his personal experience and knowledge of them reveal a "very different" reality.

What's next:

Wheatley openly expressed his desire to work with Max Verstappen again. He stated, "If I were to say here as team principal that I didn't want the best driver in Formula 1 in my team, I wouldn't be the right person to be here."