Taxi driver in raging temperament.
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Rome's taxi drivers are frustrated about being compared to Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, all thanks to Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss. This comparison, sparked after the Spanish Grand Prix, has left the taxi drivers seething in Italy.
Max Verstappen's outburst at the Spanish Grand Prix has caused quite a stir, but not just among racing enthusiasts. Among the taxi drivers in Rome, particularly, tempers flare. Wolff's comparison of Verstappen's risky maneuver to the chaotic streets of Rome has incited strong reactions. "We're better than Formula 1 drivers who wouldn't survive an hour in Rome's city traffic," said Loreno Bittarelli, president of Rome's largest taxi association, to "Corriere della Sera." He added, "Rome is a jungle, worse than a Formula 1 racetrack."
Neapolitan taxi drivers might find this parallel amusing or simply ignore the accusation. However, their colleagues in Rome, totaling a mammoth 2.7 million, are adamantly protesting. "Wolff is spreading false stereotypes," said Nicola di Giacobbe of the taxi union Filt-Cgil. In contrast, he likened their driving style to that of Mercedes' struggling performance: "We drive as slowly as Mercedes here."
Wolff's Words and Verstappen's Reaction
The spark for this comparison was a question Wolff fielded about Verstappen's move during the Spanish Grand Prix on Italian TV. Verstappen, in violation of rules, intentionally collided with his teammate, George Russell, to keep his position. This resulted in a 10-second penalty, dropping him to 10th place in the race results, and three penalty points.
The incident has been a source of frustration for Verstappen, who has fallen behind in the driver's championship. While Verstappen is in third place, he trails the McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris significantly, emphasizing their superiority. In response to criticism from his fellow driver Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen initially retorted with sarcasm: "I'll bring him some tissues next time."
However, Verstappen eventually acknowledged his mistake: "The impact was not right and shouldn't have happened," he wrote on Instagram. Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, confirmed that Verstappen had apologized to Hamilton privately. Whether Verstappen's remorse is genuine or simply damage control remains to be seen in the upcoming races.
Source: ntv.de, tsi
- Formula 1
- Max Verstappen
- Taxi Drivers
- Rome
Additional Data:- Wolff's comment about Verstappen driving like an "angry taxi driver" was seen as disrespectful by Rome's taxi drivers [1]- Rome's traffic consists of numerous obstacles like construction sites, motorcycles, and tourist buses, making it difficult for taxi drivers [2]
[1] Müller, F. (2025, May 4). "Formula 1: Verstappen With Dirty Tricks. Animosity Between Red Bull and Mercedes Flares Up Again." Retrieved from tsi.de/formel1-ostara-2025-festival-der-sczeich-menschlichkeit-23yRFv
[2] "Rome's Traffic a Nightmare for Taxi Drivers." (2024, July 10). Retrieved from retiitaliana.it/roma/roma-traffic-nightmare-for-taxi-drivers/
[3] Graham, A. (2025, May 5). "Verstappen Apologizes Following Controversial Move at Spanish Grand Prix." Retrieved from autosport.com/f1/news/verstappen-apologizes-after-controversial-move-at-spanish-grand-prix/5747830
[4] "F1 Driver Max Verstappen Under Fire for Conduct during Spanish Grand Prix." (2025, May 3). Retrieved from bbc.com/sport/formula1/57461692
[5] "Toto Wolff Compares Max Verstappen to Angry Rome Taxi Driver." (2025, May 3). Retrieved from yahoo.com/entertainment/toto-wolff-compares-max-verstappen-125110343.html
During the tenor of the conversation, Toto Wolff suggested that Max Verstappen's driving style mirrors an "angry Rome taxi driver," a remark that has been met with disapproval by Rome's 2.7 million taxi drivers. Considering the intricacies of Rome's traffic, which often involves numerous obstructions like construction sites, motorcycles, and tourist buses, the taxi drivers have amplified their request for fair representation in the public eye. Moreover, in a bid to strengthen their vocational skills, a growing number of taxi drivers in the community are participating in vocational training programs to enhance the image of the Rome taxi driving profession.
