Super GT Driver Criticizes Verstappen's Fuji Promo as Misleading

Max Verstappen's recent promotional video at Fuji Speedway has drawn criticism from SUPER GT driver João Paulo Oliveira, who called the comparison between the four-time F1 champion and local drivers 'misleading'. The footage, released by Red Bull, showed Verstappen lapping nearly two seconds faster than the benchmark set by SUPER GT driver Atsushi Miyake in treacherous wet conditions.

Why it matters:

The incident underscores the sensitivity around how F1's top talent is portrayed alongside drivers from other series. With Verstappen's star power and Red Bull's marketing machine, such comparisons can inadvertently diminish the credibility of championships like SUPER GT, especially when conditions are not controlled for a fair fight.

The details:

• Oliveira took to social media to express his frustration, pointing out that in changing wet conditions, lap times can swing by nearly two seconds within minutes.
• "It felt a bit misleading," Oliveira wrote. "Even in promotional content, there should still be respect shown towards SUPER GT and its current drivers."
• Verstappen drove a Nissan Z NISMO GT500 on a flooded circuit with standing water and poor visibility, yet his pace was immediately competitive.
• The video quickly went viral, with fans praising Verstappen's adaptability, but the lack of context about weather variability sparked the backlash.

What's next:

Verstappen's focus now shifts to his long-awaited 24 Hours Nürburgring debut this weekend. The Dutchman will drive in the legendary endurance race, with qualifying sessions beginning Thursday and the race starting Saturday at 15:00 local time. It will be another test of his versatility away from F1, but the Fuji controversy is a reminder that even promotional stunts need careful framing.