In Brazilian Grand Prix we got to see a reaction judged incomprehensible by many when the reigning world champion Max Verstappen he refused to let his teammate through Sergio Perez for points that would have helped the Mexican fight for second place with Charles Leclerc. It is not the first time that the bishop of the Red Bull he had similar comments or behaviors, but they were often pointed out as mistakes of his youth. This time, however, her behavior is seen as that of a prima donna within the team, a role we have often seen in F1. We have therefore decided to draw up who, in the current grid, can fall within the definition of primadonna.
MAX STEPS
Let's start, as expected, from the current world champion. From his debut in F1 it was clear that the Dutchman was considered a jewel to be protected and shaped within the Red Bull family. Enough to be projected in the fifth round of 2016 by Toro Rosso to the main team, to the detriment of Daniil Kvyat. There is no doubt about Verstappen's talent, given his numerous victories and two world titles in F1. However, in many situations his behavior has left something to be desired. With choices and statements that made the Dutch seem like a person around whom everything "must" revolve. Brazil's latest statement has done nothing but reinforce this definition, although there seems to be a precise motivation - and not disclosed to the press - for this behavior of his.
FERNANDO ALONSO
"Where he goes, the team always comes out split." These are words circulated between the paddock and the internet since Alonso's passage to McLaren. The Asturian is a much-discussed figure within the teams, because he has always given the impression of not wanting rivals alongside him. It was precisely in McLaren in 2007 that the fight between him and Hamilton was greatly exacerbated, with disagreements between the two that contributed to Alonso's departure from the Woking team in the direction of Viry-Chatillon first, and then Maranello. Even in Ferrari his behavior followed him, since 2010 when the famous "Fernando is faster than you" led to a change in the internal balance of the team.
With the return to McLaren-Honda in 2015, the music did not change that much, given that the two-time world champion did not miss controversy and poisonous comments. Over the years we have seen Fernando become more of a team man, with the heroic defense of Hamilton for Ocon's victory in Hungary in 2021. In Brazil, the old flame has been rekindled, with comments on his teammate underlining like, although he is now leaving Alpine, Alonso is always Alonso.
LEWIS HAMILTON
Even the seven-time world champion has often been seen as a prima donna, with a whole series of behaviors that have reinforced this adjective. Even in his case, in 2007 there was a strong rivalry for the role of first driver in McLaren. Role that he obtained with Alonso's farewell to the team. Going forward over time, this behavior of his has remained so, with a particular note relating to 2016. In an interview with ServusTV on July 4 of that year, Niki Lauda revealed how the Englishman was fed up with questions about his relationship with Rosberg, already exacerbated previously, and in anger destroyed his room in the hospital. Also in 2022, in protest with the FIA decisions at the last race, he decided not to take part in the FIA gala, causing a lot of talk about himself.
ESTEBAN OCON
The Alpine Frenchman is perhaps not exactly seen as a prima donna, but his past in Force India and Racing Point suggests something else. Having arrived in F1 to replace Rio Haryanto at Manor in 2016, he moved to Force India with Perez. From the beginning the relationship with the Mexican was not idyllic, with many incidents between the two which led to inelegant comments and protests between the two. Furthermore, in 2018, a disagreement on the track with Verstappen in an attempt to split up – which ended in contact between the two – led to a fight as soon as they got out of the car, with pushes between the two. Once in Renault-Alpine, he had found calm and serenity in the team. But a disagreement with Alonso in Brazil seems to have reopened old wounds, forcibly closed by team principal Szafnauer who has taken matters into his own hands.
Obviously the judgments are variable, there are those who perhaps see other pilots in this list than those indicated. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments!
ARTICLE AUTHOR: FABIO SEGETTA
