Verstappen surprise admission after penalty pain

Max Verstappen has partially defended the Mexico City Grand Prix stewards for one of the two decisions to hand him a 10-second time penalty.

The Dutchman incurred a pair of punishments in equal measure for separate incidents on lap 10 of 71 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, both whilst battling with championship rival Lando Norris.

First, the 27-year-old pushed the McLaren off the track when it was trying to overtake around the outside of Turn 4, something for which he also picked up two penalty points on his FIA super licence.

Only a few corners later, Verstappen lunged his Red Bull up the inside of Norris, who was now ahead, at Turn 7.

In doing so, he again pushed the McLaren wide. This time, however, it was the three-time F1 drivers’ champion who came out in front.

It was an aggressive move, which has been robustly chastised by former F1 drivers and pundits, and provoked the stewards to sanction him for going off-track and gaining a lasting advantage.

The latter decision is one Verstappen has now no issue with, but he was quick to highlight what he felt was an inconsistent application of the regulations.

“That second penalty is all fine,” the 61-time grand prix winner told Dutch media including RacingNews365. “But then again, with that first one, I don’t understand why you get five seconds one time and 10 seconds the next.”

When it was explained to him that Norris only escaped with a five-second punishment in Austin because he had to leave the circuit to avoid contact, the Red Bull driver appeared to disagree with the ruling, replying: “It’s always things… You can always find a reason.”

Verstappen – Those are pretty extreme accusations

Part of the criticism of Verstappen that is beginning to take hold is borne from a feeling that some of his incidents, particularly when he pushes another driver off-track, are avoidable and even, at times, deliberate.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman maintains his innocence, claiming it is not intentional, or that anyone can truly judge whether he is acting in bad faith in such moments.

“I didn’t do anything on purpose,” he insisted. “They can’t see inside my head and those are pretty extreme accusations.”

Because of this, Verstappen is adamant he does not need to change his approach to racing, adding: “No, because as I said, I didn’t do anything on purpose. We just raced hard and like I said, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

“Every situation is different. And after the race, it’s easier to look back on it. It happened. We just have to make sure we have a more competitive car, then you don’t have to be in that situation anymore. That’s basically it. That’s where it all starts.”