Quotes

I'm not here to finish fourth.

[2025; on Formula 1's controversial new swearing ban] I am not going to say anything about that - I want to stay zen. Everyone expects me to be the first to swear, but I'll try for that not to happen.

["Sh*t Questions" by F1 Australia interviewer: Max, just a quick question - who would win if you all raced in reverse?] I don't know... and I don't really care!

[Describe yourself in 3 words.] I always prefer other people to describe me. I'd just stay with relaxed.

I like to burn fuel. Can I say that? I don't like electric motors. Caring for the environment is very important, but Formula 1 has existed for many years, and it should continue. If you don't like it, don't watch it.

I saw a documentary about athletes benefiting from that diet [veganism], but I think that's not too relevant for Formula 1. We are not cyclists or marathon runners. And I like to eat burgers.

I love real meat! Everyone is free to choose what they want or need to do, so no - I'm not going to become a vegan.

I think the grass was a bit... a bit not rightly cut on the right-hand side. Lando [Lando Norris] saw that as well, and he made sure it was nicely cut!

[frequently used "catchphrase"] Simply lovely.

[on McLaren boss Andrea Stella disclosing prior to the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix that Lando Norris will be prioritised over Oscar Piastri] Ultimately I'm not disappointed about it. Of course they do what they want and it's not my problem. I have my own problems at the moment. If you look at it from Oscar's perspective, he's closer to Lando than Lando is to me. They have to deal with that. They [Norris and Piastri] were not far apart, also in the championship. Oscar came in as the first driver and I don't think he is the type to be labelled as the second driver.

[asked if he has any irrational fears, such as a fear of spiders] Yeah. I mean I don't mind the small spiders but, like, the big hairy ones. Snakes I really don't like. Luckily where I live in Monaco it's not too bad. I also live high up, so it's okay.

The car was f*cked. I couldn't even say the F word? It's not even that bad... What are we, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds?

I mean, it's always if, if, if, right? If my mum had balls, she would be my dad. So, yeah. I mean, it's how it goes to racing. Sometimes it works out for you, sometimes it doesn't.

I don't like to be on the red carpet and dress up in a suit. I don't like to interact with people that I don't really know and have a fake smile and fake chat. It's horrible, I just don't enjoy it.

[Do you want any more cats?] Well, I mean, I would like a 100 cats, but also you have to take care of them, so...