Verstappen Accepts “Chucky” from Brown: F1 Rivalry Ignites in Qatar

Red Bull’s star driver, Max Verstappen, has responded to the statements made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who compared the champion’s tenacity in the fight for the title to a horror movie character.

Brown, in his comments prior to the Qatar Grand Prix, highlighted Verstappen’s ability to stay in contention for the championship. These words proved prophetic after Verstappen’s victory in Sunday’s race, which placed him in second place overall.

It’s like the guy from horror movies, just when you think he’s not coming back, he’s back!

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

Verstappen’s victory in Qatar puts him as the main rival of Lando Norris, just 12 points behind the McLaren driver, before the last race in Abu Dhabi. Faced with a question about Brown’s statements and whether he felt he was on the minds of McLaren’s leaders, Verstappen referenced the famous horror franchise “Child’s Play” and its iconic character.

You can call me Chucky!

Max Verstappen

Verstappen added: “I don’t know, I also saw the comments. I found them quite funny. For my part, I just focus on myself. I know that when I get in the car, I just try to do my best, as I think everyone does. But yes, that’s the only thing I can control, right? And that’s what I focus on.” The reigning champion’s victory in Qatar was favored by a strategic error from McLaren, who decided not to pit their cars during an early safety car period. The result means that Verstappen’s most direct route to his fifth world title is to win the last race in Abu Dhabi, with Norris finishing fourth or below. When asked about how he would approach the final race of the season, Verstappen commented: “I hope we start the weekend well, let’s say that, that would help a lot. I think in terms of pure pace, it will be difficult, but a race like today also shows that a Grand Prix is not always easy, and many things can happen. So I probably rely on that a bit.”