Formula 1 fans are buzzing on social media after a viral interview between “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Fallon kicked off the chat, and Verstappen responded dryly, “I love being here.” The host then attempted a pun, saying, “Max Verstappen, like Ver-stopping at the store, Ver-stopping to get coffee, you know?” But it was the four-time world champion’s quick comeback that stole the show.
“Ver-stopping this interview,” the Dutchman replied with a straight face.
Fans loved the moment. One Reddit user joked, “Gonna get a Max Verslappin’ if he doesn’t pack it in,” while another commented, “The sarcasm on that ‘I loove being here’ lmao.”
Another fan wrote, “Verstappen should start doing ‘The Office’ thing whenever he does interviews—say something sarcastic and then look at the camera.” Some found Fallon’s attempt forced: “Wow the Verstopping nonsense was soo forced. I am feeling the 2nd hand embarrassment through the screen.”
Others added, “Jimmy Fallon will never be ready for Max and his sarcasms. Max totally nailed it,” and “Max made a better punchline than Jimmy and he wasn’t even trying.”
The interview was part of a scripted collaboration between Fallon and Ford. But Fallon’s weekend didn’t end there. During the pre-race grid walk, the 51-year-old had an awkward interaction with former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle. After being asked for “funny lines,” Fallon grabbed the microphone from Brundle and bit the cover. A surprised Brundle responded, “Don’t do that again.”
After the race, Brundle posted on social media: “In 30 years of broadcasting I’ve never wondered what a branded microphone sock tastes like. There’s some very funny people around.”