Jeremy Clarkson has revealed Max Verstappen's true colours after spending two hours trapped in a "tiny room" with the four-time Formula 1 world champion at Silverstone. The Clarkson's Farm star attended the British Grand Prix on July 5 as a VIP guest of the Alpine F1 team, which served his Hawkstone beer and Diddly Squat products on its menu.
Clarkson's VIP Experience at Silverstone
In an Instagram video posted to Alpine's social media, Clarkson described his time at the track as "heavenly" but revealed he left before the final 20 laps to avoid traffic. "We've shut down now on social media – we'll go home and watch the last 20 laps on TV there," he said.
He explained that last year, foot traffic leaving the venue led to him being stuck with Verstappen. "Then we're not stuck in a traffic jam, because last year I was stuck in a little tiny room with Max Verstappen for two hours. He's a lovely guy, he's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Back to the farm now," Clarkson added.
From Insults to Praise
This is not the first time Clarkson has voiced support for Verstappen. In his Sun column, he declared: "Max Verstappen is one of the all-time greats. He may even be the greatest driver we have ever seen." However, earlier in Verstappen's career, Clarkson branded him a "Belgian yob" in a Sunday Times column while referring to British driver Lewis Hamilton as a "tax dodger." He wrote of the then-24-year-old in 2021: "Go Max. You may be a Belgian yob, but I'm rooting for you, boy."
Impact on Public Perception
Clarkson's change of heart offers a more nuanced view of Verstappen, who has often been a polarising figure in F1. The anecdote highlights the personal side of the champion, contrasting with the earlier harsh criticism from one of Britain's most outspoken media personalities.
