Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing
Ben McCrum
A body language expert has revealed the truth behind Max Verstappen's reaction to rumours of a move to join Mercedes.
Following a stunning lap time in qualifying on Saturday, Verstappen started the British Grand Prix in pole position on Sunday, presenting him with a fantastic chance of securing his third win of the season.
However, the speed of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the McLaren combined with challenging weather conditions proved to be too much for the Dutchman, who ultimately finished the race in fifth.
In the final stages of the race, the Dutchman was heard on the team radio complaining about the current Red Bull car, further adding fuel to rumours that he is considering leaving the team to join Mercedes in the near future.
Advert
Ahead of the race, Verstappen addressed rumours of his representatives speaking with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, saying that he had 'nothing more to add' to his previous comments , but a body language expert has revealed exactly what he was thinking in this moment.
Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Verstappen said: "To be honest with you, I have nothing more to add to what I said already last week to many people. I have a contract with the team and we just focus on performance."
But while the four-time champion tried to remain coy, body language expert Darren Stanton has revealed that he is clearly trying to conceal the truth of the situation.
Advert
Speaking to OLBG, Stanton said: “Verstappen repeats the question, which is a deflection and what politicians do. It gives him time to think about an answer. Then he dips his head down, now these are two killer things I'm going to say.
“The first thing he says is ‘to be honest with you’. Statistically, research has shown that people who start a phrase with the phrase ‘to be honest with you’ are about to lie.
"It’s like when people say with the greatest of respect, but it actually means ‘I have no respect’. That's one massive screaming red flag."
Advert
Stanton then broke down Verstappen's later attempts to shrug off discussions about his current Red Bull contract, which as it stands is set to expire at the end of the 2028 season.
He added: "The next indication is when he talks about his Red Bull contract, he does what's called a bilateral shoulder shrug. If you look at the footage as he speaks about a contract, his left shoulder goes up on its own.
"Now, the significance of what we call a bilateral shoulder shrug is when people want to seem indifferent and not bothered, they'll shrug both shoulders, which is a genuine response of ‘I don’t care’.
“But, when someone's trying to convey indifference but they only do it with one shoulder, it means they're trying to conceal an inner emotion or conceal the truth. For that reason, I would put money on the fact that he is looking to jump ship.”