Is the RB star going too far?

Verstappen: “I don’t listen to these people!”

Clear words! Max Verstappen reacts to the criticism of his driving style.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

This weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix promises excitement in the heated Formula 1 World Championship duel between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. After harsh criticism of his (overly) aggressive driving style, the Red Bull star has now hit back: "I don't listen to these people!"

Four races and two sprints before the end of the season, Max Verstappen is still 47 points ahead of Lando Norris in the McLaren in the overall standings. In Mexico City, the Briton picked up ten points when Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz won in second place, partly because Verstappen had crossed the line twice in a wheel-to-wheel duel and was handed a 20-second penalty.

"I know what I'm doing"
 However, the Dutchman will not be changing his driving style, as he explained once again on Thursday in Sao Paulo. "It's my tenth year in Formula 1 and I think I know what I'm doing," emphasized the 27-year-old. "I don't like to lose. I try to maximize the result!"

Penalty also in Brazil
However, Verstappen, who has recently been criticized for his aggressive driving style, will start with a handicap in Brazil. After performance deficits in Mexico with an increasingly older and slower engine, the bulls will give Verstappen's company car a fresh drive unit. The result is a demotion of five places on the grid.