# Max Verstappen and the controversy with Colapinto: a verbal duel in Munich
In the vibrant weekend of the Monaco 2025 Grand Prix, the Circus della Formula 1 was shaken by a new controversy that featured Max Verstappen, the world champion in charge, and the young Argentine debutant Franco Colapinto. During the qualifications, colapinted, behind the wheel of his Alpine, surprised everyone by overcoming Lewis Hamilton, the legendary seven times world champion, conquering a position on the grid he made. However, to warm the spirits was a comment by Verstappen, called “Vergonzoso” by the Argentine media, which aroused an immediate and sharp response from Colapinto.
According to sources close to the paddock, Verstappen would have expressed a contemptuous judgment on the colapinto performance, insinuating that his overtaking on Hamilton was due to an error of the British than to the talent of the Rookie. “It is shameful that we talk about him as a phenomenon when he only took advantage of a distraction,” said the Dutchman in a post-quolific interview, according to what reported by some South American media. These words quickly went around the web, turning on the discussions between the fans, especially in Argentina, where Colapinto is now a national idol.
Colapinto’s response was not long in coming. During the next press conference, the young Alpine pilot replied with a phrase of only nine words, but with a devastating weight: “Speak the track, not the mouth of those who envy.” These words, pronounced calmly but with a determination that has silenced the room, hit the mark, putting Verstappen in an uncomfortable position. The phrase became viral, amplified by social media and the numerous Argentine fans present in Munich, who celebrated the courage of their darling.
Faced with the growing media pressure and the risk of image damage, Verstappen has chosen to take a step back. In a press release released through Red Bull, the Dutch pilot was publicly apologized: “My words were misunderstood, I didn’t want to fail to respect Franco. He is doing an excellent job.” The apologies, however, did not completely calm the controversies, with many who have accused Verstappen of having acted with arrogance, a recurring theme in his career, as highlighted by previous episodes, such as the controversy for incorrect language in Singapore in 2024
This verbal confrontation highlighted the talent and personality of Colapinto, who, as reported by Clarín, received praise from both Verstappen and Hamilton for his impact in Formula 1. His ability to respond with maturity to a champion like Verstappen shows that the young Argentine is not only fast on the track, but also skilled in managing the pressure of the circus. With the Monaco Grand Prix ready to give other emotions, all eyes are now focused on a colapinto: will it be able to transform this controversy into fuel for a historical result?
