Concerns have been raised following ESPN’s Pat McAfee’s critical assessment of Formula 1 during the Max Verstappen, or “Vanderstoppen,” period. ESPN is the US broadcaster of this season.
After his victory in 2021, Verstappen went on to win the 2022 and 2023 championships, taking home an incredible 15 and 19 grand prix, respectively, in the two most recent championship years.
Verstappen has also swiftly put an end to any expectations that a competitor might eventually surface at the beginning of Formula One 2024 after he secured two Red Bull 1-2 finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
When multiple NASCAR champion Kyle Busch appeared on ESPN’s “Pat McAfee show,” he mispronounced Verstappen’s last name as “Vanderstoppen,” which brought up the subject of Formula 1 and Verstappen.
ESPN might not be too happy at hearing McAfee launch into a tirade about Formula One that would not do much to get their audience to watch the series, for which they reportedly spend up to $90 million year.
McAfee started, “19 of the last 20 races is Vanderstoppen,” to which Busch responded with a smile and a “that sounds like a watch” joke.
McAfee went on, “He most likely has one.” Therefore, it’s just so dull to see the Vanderstoppen dominance and watch. After he wins the pole, the races will resemble time trials.