António Félix da Costa has spoken out in defense of his friend Max Verstappen, addressing the perception that the multiple world champion is arrogant. The Porsche Formula E driver states that many people have an incorrect image of the Red Bull F1 driver.
According to da Costa, Verstappen’s directness is often misinterpreted. He suggests that what some see as arrogance is simply honesty. Da Costa believes that, unlike some other drivers, Verstappen does not have a ‘double personality’.
‘I know a lot of people think he’s this arrogant or whatever word they would like to use to describe him. But to be honest, he’s just honest.’
The Portuguese driver, who has known Verstappen since their junior racing days, emphasizes that success has not changed him. Their friendship developed during their time in the Red Bull junior program and has remained strong over the years.
Da Costa notes that despite his global fame and multiple championships, Verstappen remains remarkably down-to-earth. He describes the Dutchman as one of the kindest and most humble people on the Formula 1 grid.
‘He’s the most down-to-earth guy on the Formula 1 grid and by far one of the kindest, even if people sometimes don’t see that side of him,’ da Costa stated in a previous interview.
He further explained that fame and fortune have had no impact on Verstappen’s character. According to da Costa, Verstappen treats people with the same respect as he did before he became a world champion.
The friendship between the two is such that da Costa is considered part of the inner circle of Verstappen and his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet. Da Costa admires Verstappen’s professional focus, noting that friendship comes second when performance is at stake.
This was illustrated when Verstappen did not ask da Costa to join his team for the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, instead choosing drivers with more experience in the specific Mercedes GT3 car. Da Costa fully understood and respected this decision.
