#UNLEASH THE LION
MAX VERSTAPPEN strides into the room oozing the self-confidence only those in total command of themselves and their surroundings can summon. Yes, he will grant F1 Racing 45 minutes of his time on his busiest grand prix weekend of the season (Spa), and yes he will pose for photographs. But no, he won’t roar like a lion for the purposes of our imagery: “I’m not into that…”
Fair enough. You can lead a horse to water... Or should that be a lion to his prey? Probably, because that’s exactly why we’re nestled within the VIP area of Red Bull’s new (and supposedly self-cooling) wood-based Energy Station. It’s time to talk about how Max Verstappen has evolved – from super-fast but ill-tempered wild animal into something far cooler and more calculating. And, if you’re a multiple world champion named Lewis Hamilton with a big target on your back, a predator to watch warily.
Max utilises the hashtag ‘#unleashthelion’ and incorporates a lion logo within his race helmet design, but this is no mere glib social media strategy, mundane branding or simple nationalism at play (the lion is the national symbol of his native Netherlands). Max Verstappen has studied the lion, recognised the animal’s enduring power and worked to embody its qualities. He is F1’s young lion, now unleashing himself on grand prix racing with a level of focus and controlled aggression that should terrify all who stand in his way.
Verstappen has studied the lion, recognised the animal’s enduring power and worked to embody its qualities
“It had something to do of course with coming from Holland, but then also I think the lion itself is quite an impressive animal,” Max says, relaxing into his seat as he explains why the lion embodies his emerging Formula 1 persona. “It’s a dominating force.
