Verstappen explains absence from F1 movie premiere in Monaco

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While almost the entire Formula 1 grid turned out in style in Monaco for Wednesday’s private screening of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster F1, one name was conspicuously absent from the event: reigning World Champion Max Verstappen.

However, at the time of the drivers’ night out, fans noticed the Red Bull ace relaxing at home and streaming live on Twitch with his Team Redline sim racing squad.

This inevitably prompted questions about why Max skipped a moment that had the rest of the paddock buzzing, with the Dutchman addressing his absence in Thursday’s press conference in the Principality.

In Need of Private Time

“Yeah, I notified FOM [Formula One Management] about that, so we were well aware that I wasn’t attending,” he said. “I wanted to spend more private time because it is private time at the end of the day.”

Now a father, Verstappen explained that his priorities have shifted in light of his growing family and the relentless demands of a Formula 1 schedule.

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“I just wanted to spend more time at home,” he added. “It wasn’t a mandatory event either, it was just my private time.

“And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1 you’re away from home so much already.

“Wanting to spend more time at home on days like that is pretty normal, I think. Now that the family is growing, I definitely prefer to spend more time at home.”

He’ll Catch the Film—Just Not in Monaco

Despite missing the early viewing, Verstappen isn’t ruling out watching the movie entirely. He confirmed that he still plans to catch the film when it’s officially released.

“I think it’s coming out in June, so I’ll download it on Apple,” he said. “Of course I get it, there was the opportunity to watch it, I think I’ll watch it now or in 3 or 4 weeks, that’s fine as well.

“I read good stuff in the movie, so I’m sure that it’s going to be exciting.”

With that, Verstappen may have missed the glitz, but his reason was simple: home, family, and a bit of sim racing – classic Max.

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Michael Delaney