Max Verstappen not only secured a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, but also earned a new nickname. Prior to the weekend, McLaren CEO Zak Brown likened Verstappen to a horror movie character; just when you think you’ve escaped him, he reappears. The Dutch driver found the comparison amusing and adopted the nickname ‘Chucky’, after the antagonist from the popular Child’s Play horror series.
In the lead-up to the Qatar Grand Prix, Brown was a guest on the Sports Agents podcast, where he discussed the thrilling title race between Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers. “He (Verstappen) is like those guys in horror movies,” Brown joked. “Just when you think he can’t come back, he suddenly reappears.” During the race, the Dutchman lived up to that promise. He started behind both McLaren drivers but ultimately crossed the finish line first. The four-time world champion reduced his deficit to World Championship leader Lando Norris to 12 points.
Decisive Moment in Abu Dhabi
During the FIA press conference after the race, Max Verstappen was asked about Brown’s comments. “He can call me Chucky,” joked the Dutchman, referring to the popular Child’s Play films. “I don’t know,” he continued lightly. “I saw his comments too. I actually found them quite amusing.” With the impending title showdown in Abu Dhabi, ‘Chucky’ remains grounded. “I just focus on myself,” he continued. “When I get in the car, I just try to do my best, like everyone else. That’s all you can do, right? So that’s the only thing I focus on.”
Regarding his approach in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen remains realistic. “I hope we start the weekend well; that would be a huge help,” he reflected. “I think it will be tough purely on pace, but a race like today also shows that a Grand Prix is never an easy task, a lot can happen. So yes, I’m counting on that a bit.” For now, this horror film is not over. The climax follows at Yas Marina.
