The Verstappen-Norris duel continues this weekend during the Grand Prix in Brazil. Last weekend, the Dutchman received two 10-second penalties for two incidents in which he forced his title rival Lando Norris off the track. The three-time world champion contested the first penalty, but admitted to being at fault for the second.
However, many observers have pointed the finger at the Dutchman’s behavior. Damon Hill, former world champion and consultant for Sky, accuses him of not driving in a fair manner. Johnny Herbert, another former British driver, was FIA commissioner during the Mexican GP. He suspects Verstappen of having deliberately caused the second exit from the track so that Charles Leclerc could pass in front. “The number one objective is to prevent Norris from closing the gap for the drivers’ championship,” denounces the commissioner.
At a press conference, Max Verstappen was ironic after these criticisms this weekend in Brazil. “I know how most people are, it’s nothing new,” said Max Verstappen. “Last year was perfect, so it must have hurt a lot of people not being able to say something negative. Now that they have the chance to say something, they all come out of the woodwork. In the end, I don’t have the right passport for this paddock. »
Verstappen also called Herbert’s theory a “pretty extreme accusation” and insisted he didn’t take out Norris on purpose in turn 8: “I didn’t do anything intentionally. They can’t be in my head. This is a pretty extreme accusation. We just had a hard race. »
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