Max Verstappen has hit again at critics, together with 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill, stating he “doesn’t hearken to these people”.
Verstappen has been topic to an intense quantity of criticism following the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
The Dutchman picked up two 10-second time penalties in the course of the race in Mexico for incidents with Lando Norris.
The penalties meant Verstappen may solely end sixth, fairly than fourth, as Norris diminished his lead within the standings to 47 factors forward of Brazil.
Verstappen’s strategy to racing was a scorching subject within the pre-weekend FIA press convention in Sao Paulo.
The three-time world champion was requested about Hill’s feedback on the Sky F1 Podcast, the place the previous Williams driver claimed Verstappen was incapable of racing pretty.
Verstappen responded: “I don’t hearken to these people. I simply do my factor. I’m a three-time world champion. I believe I do know what I’m doing.”
Verstappen was additionally blunt in his response about whether or not he’ll “change his strategy”.
“I’ve heard that earlier than proper in my profession,” Verstappen stated. “It’s my tenth yr in F1. I believe I do know what I’m doing.”
In contrast to in Austin, the place Verstappen escaped a penalty for forcing Norris off the observe on two events, he was hit with two extreme penalties in Mexico.
Nonetheless, Verstappen refused to get drawn in over discuss them, admitting “you win some, you lose some”.
“I believe it’s simply you win some, you lose some,” he defined. “That’s how it’s in racing on the whole. I prefer to win.
“I don’t prefer to lose. I don’t assume many individuals prefer to lose. I’ll attempt to maximise the outcomes. Some you win, some you lose.”
Verstappen takes purpose on the FIA
Verstappen resisted the urge to swear within the FIA press convention after selecting up a group service penalty for doing so earlier within the season.
However, he was fast to level out Charles Leclerc swearing within the post-race Mexico presser, however it wasn’t investigated by the FIA.
Verstappen was requested which individuals he listens to for recommendation in context of being criticised by F1 champions reminiscent of Hill.
“Folks which are goal and near me, and never simply there to stir,” he stated.
“I can’t say the phrase as a result of I’ll get one other… apparently it solely counts for me anyway as a result of after the race in Mexico, somebody was swearing and I didn’t hear something from it.
“It’s higher I don’t swear once more. Some individuals are simply being very annoying. I do know who these individuals are. I don’t pay lots of consideration to them anyway and I believe I’ve acquired to this stage of my profession with the fitting individuals supporting me and making my very own choices. I believe I do know what I’m doing.”