Verstappen strikes back at critics with ‘world champion’ jibe

Max Verstappen has hit back at certain personnel who called on the Dutchman to make changes to his driving style going forward.

The three-time world champion was issued a duo of 10-second time penalties in Mexico City last weekend for forcing title rival Lando Norris wide on two occasions.

Verstappen’s tactics were criticised by some, including ex-F1 drivers Martin Brundle and Damon Hill – while his father Jos Verstappen took aim at the stewards for being ‘biased’.

Verstappen was also accused of deliberately forcing Norris wide to hamper his title prospects by Johnny Herbert, who often works as an F1 steward.

The Dutchman defended his tactics and pointed to the lack of titles held by former drivers who criticise him.

“If they knew so well in their careers, they would all have become world champions,” he said. 

“I don’t know and haven’t heard what they say. Everyone is different in how they reason and view things, that’s always the case. You shouldn’t listen too much to that.”

Verstappen has ‘wrong passport’ for F1 paddock

Verstappen added there have been no discussions from inside the team regarding his manoeuvres.

“No, we didn’t speak about it,” he said. “I think there are other things we can do better. 

“You won’t be in that situation [battling with Norris] then, we all know that. I don’t need to be critical about it, we are working on it.”

Verstappen also pointed to the element of bias when it comes to critique of his driving standard, stating it stems from his nationality.

“I know what most people are like, it’s nothing new,” he said.  “Last year everything went perfectly. That must have hurt a lot of people, to not be able to say anything negative. 

“That’s all coming out now. It is what it is. Of course, last year was much more relaxed. Everything went well and they can’t really say anything.

“Now they have a chance to say something and go full steam ahead. In the end, I have the wrong passport in that area. I’m very happy with my passport, but it’s the wrong one in the paddock.”