Max Verstappen is unfazed by the criticism surrounding his aggressive driving style, asserting that his three Formula 1 world championships speak volumes about his racing expertise. The Dutchman is under fire following two 10-second penalties at last week’s Mexico City GP, where he was penalized for forcing McLaren’s Lando Norris off track twice. With former world champion Damon Hill calling one of his moves “silly driving,” Verstappen dismissed the backlash from those he considers irrelevant voices.
“I don’t listen to those individuals, I just do my thing,” Verstappen responded. “I’m a three-time world champion. I think I know what I’m doing.”
Reflecting on his decade-long career, Verstappen claimed that opinions from certain pundits carry little weight given his experience and accomplishments. “I’ve heard it all before,” he said. “Some people are just a bit biased. I get it, it’s fine, but it’s not my problem at the end of the day. I just keep performing.”
Verstappen did acknowledge the input of trusted advisors, but was quick to shut down criticism he views as merely attention-seeking. “I listen to people who are objective and close to me, not just those stirring things up,” he said, hinting at double standards around the sport. “I won’t say much more because apparently, it only matters when I say it. Other drivers were swearing after the Mexico race, but there was no backlash. So, I’ll keep it clean.”
As for the penalty situation, Verstappen believes racing guidelines are overly complex, with inconsistency leading to debates and confusion. After seeing Norris penalized at Circuit of the Americas but himself hit with double penalties in Mexico, Verstappen suggested that there’s no clear solution.
“I don’t think it’s straightforward,” he commented. “Sometimes penalties work in your favor; sometimes they don’t. It’s never going to be perfect. Too few rules, and you want more. Too many, and you want less. The rulebook only keeps growing, and that’s not always the way forward.”
For Verstappen, the focus remains on performance rather than critics, as he heads into the São Paulo GP determined to race on his terms and keep the championship lead.
