Max Verstappen has hit back at his critics, insisting he is a 'three-time world champion who knows what I am doing' after being compared to Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly by former world champion Damon Hill. The Red Bull driver received a combined 20-second penalty in Mexico for forcing Lando Norris off the track twice, sparking widespread criticism of his driving tactics.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen dismissed the criticism as 'biased' and 'very annoying'. He said: 'I don't listen to those individuals. I just do my thing. I am a three-time world champion. It is my 10th year in Formula One. I know what I am doing.' He added that he listens only to 'people that are close to me and objective'.
The drivers are set to meet at the penultimate round in Qatar to clarify racing rules with the FIA. Verstappen expressed concern about over-regulation, stating: 'Do I think it is over-regulated? Yes, the rule book is getting bigger and bigger, and I don't think that is the right way forward.'
Lando Norris, who finished second in Mexico while Verstappen could only manage sixth, described the Dutchman's driving as 'dangerous'. McLaren CEO Zak Brown called Verstappen's actions 'ridiculous' and said 'enough is enough'. Norris revealed he has not spoken to Verstappen since the incident, saying: 'We've not spoken and I don't think we need to. I've got nothing to say. I still have a lot of respect for Max... but not respect for what he did last weekend.'
Norris now trails Verstappen by 47 points in the title race with 120 points still available. Verstappen also faces a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's race in Brazil due to an engine change, potentially boosting Norris's championship hopes.
