Since reports surfaced that he is being investigated for allegedly using coercive tactics against a female employee—charges he vehemently disputes—that has been his go-to response.
He adhered to the motto when he crossed the bright paddock—the site of pre-season testing—to appear at the press conference on the day he had set aside, acting as though, yes, everything was “business as usual.” Later on, on the Red Bull terrace, he autographed guests’ caps. He shook hands with a few people and took selfies. Of course, it was forced bonhomie, the heroic façade of a proud person going through a difficult time, all displayed for the benefit of the general public and the loud, omnipresent Netflix crew.
If he were to retire from the sport after 19 years, the broadcasters would truly miss him. He adds glitz to the program along with Spice Girl wife Geri. He is one of the two contemporary titans of the team principal’s Piranha Club, alongside his legendary colleague at Mercedes, Toto Wolff. He has never known shyness in front of the camera. Not even now, if you are clearly taking in the exposure with less glee than previously.
Away from the spotlight and the long lineups of cameras that followed him everywhere he went, the accuser could not be more upbeat.