Though much was said in the heat of the moment, and essentially ever since, one of the most shocking things to come out of last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix – other than Sebastian Vettel’s admission that he was responsible for the first corner incident – is that Max Verstappen’s subsequent actions were effectively “pay back”. According to Motor Sport, former race champion Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Verstappen may be protected by the FIA since his defense style in racing should have received a cause of action.
Advertisement
“Let’s say you put Ibrahimovic…up as a defender”.
“The way I drive brought me into Formula One, so I don’t think there is any reason to change – I didn’t get any penalties [in Spa]”, he said.
“He likes to attack, he wants to attack. I mean, I think it would be the same way if I was behind”.
There is no specific rule about moving late in defence, although article 27.8 of the sporting regulations states: “Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as deliberate crowding of a auto beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted”.
But with the youngster continuing to divide opinion in the paddock, Vettel remains adamant that Verstappen’s driving style needs to mellow.
In defending his position, Verstappen has been accused of holding station in the middle of the track before dramatically changing his line.
Making clear that he felt no need to apologise, the uncompromising 18-year-old Red Bull racer told reporters he was not about to change his style just because some others did not like it.
The move Verstappen made while he was head to head with Raikkonen was waiting too soon for the opportune moment to play his defense.
Verstappen has emerged as a Formula One sensation, a rare talent who in May became the youngest race victor in the sport’s history and established himself as both a fan favourite and source of controversy.
“Max is on the limit”, said Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg. It can end up in a very bad way.
Advertisement
“I’m sure it will be a big topic in tomorrow’s meeting and I’m sure our friends in the red team (Ferrari) are going to have something to say”. His style will also be raised in the drivers’ briefing on Friday night.
