Brundle claims Verstappen’s legacy will be ‘tainted’ by F1 attitude

Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen’s legacy in F1 will be “tainted” by his on-track behaviour in the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Verstappen received two-10-second penalties for incidents involving title rival Lando Norris on lap 10 – forcing him wide at Turn 4 and then lunging and forcing both cars off-track moments later at Turn 7.

Verstappen also received two penalty points for the Turn 4 incident, and earned widespread criticism for the moves. 

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff even suggested that Verstappen’s behaviour had been “legitimised” by not receiving a penalty in the 2021 Sao Paulo GP for a move against Lewis Hamilton, with Verstappen himself conceding that he pushes F1’s overtaking guidelines to the limit. 

But this ‘win at all costs’ approach has drawn ire from veteran commentator Brundle.

“It was quite a shocking move which took them both way off the track and allowed Charles Leclerc through for a Ferrari one-two at that time,” Brundle wrote in his Sky column.

“That delay for Norris, and subsequently having to follow Verstappen until the Dutchman pitted on lap 26, possibly cost him victory given his pace in the final stages of the race.

“I know that Max doesn’t care what anybody thinks, but it saddens me when he drives like that.

“He’s a multiple champion, has more driving talent in his little finger than most of us ever had, but his legacy will be tainted by this sporting attitude and that’s a shame.

“He must have known this could have instantly taken them both out of the race but Norris was ready for it.

“It was another 10-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage, but frankly it could easily have warranted a pit lane drive-through for dangerous driving.”