'Misunderstood' Max Verstappen trait revealed: 'He doesn't show this to the cameras'

Max Verstappen has been praised for his mentoring and advice-giving by rookies Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto, whilst former team-mate Alex Albon has labelled him "possibly the most misunderstood driver" in F1.

The Dutchman reached the milestone of 200 grands prix with Red Bull at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and whilst the landmark event for the four-time F1 drivers' champion was a miserable affair, the Milton Keynes-based squad commemorated the "Max Verstappen Era" by chronicling his tenure with the team.

The six-time constructors' champions released an episode of its series Behind the Charge to celebrate the 65-time grand prix winner.

Within, Albon, who raced alongside Verstappen from mid-way through 2019 to the end of 2020, poked fun at the idea, saying he does not "blame" the 27-year-old for not wanting to do "this kind" of thing.

"I think Max is possibly the most misunderstood driver on the grid," the Williams driver said.

"Maybe that's because he doesn't like to do all this kind of stuff, which I don't blame him for."

Verstappen has long been a divisive character in F1, with his polarising style of racing and sometimes tense relationship with the media presenting a certain public image - one that may not be wholly accurate.

However, two drivers in their rookie season, both with close ties to Verstappen, shared a seldom-seen side to the Red Bull driver.

Hadjar, who races for sister team Racing Bulls, highlighted how Verstappen is "very open" and forthcoming with help.

"If I have any requests, any advice I want to... to receive [ask] any questions, he's here, and he's very open," the young Frenchman said.

Similarly, Bortoleto, who has struck up a friendship with Verstappen over their shared love of gaming, contended that those on the outside do not get to witness "how great of a person" the 117-time podium finisher is.

"Maybe he doesn't show this to the cameras, or people don't actually see how great of a person he is, and how good of a heart he has for young people, and how much he's willing to help," explained the Stake driver.