Three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen was met with a storm of media scrutiny leading up to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as controversy from his penalties in Mexico continues to dominate headlines. The previous week centered on whether Lando Norris deserved a penalty at the US Grand Prix. But now, few are questioning the legitimacy of Verstappen’s two 10-second penalties. Instead, the debate has shifted to his racing tactics, with F1 fans and analysts weighing in on whether Verstappen fights fairly—and whether he should consider a different approach.
Verstappen, who leads the drivers’ standings by 47 points over Norris, was predictably unwavering during the press conference. When asked by host Tom Clarkson if he’d reconsider his style, the Red Bull driver confidently replied, “I know what I’m doing.”
Earlier, Lewis Hamilton refrained from engaging too deeply in the debate but hinted that Max Verstappen’s defensive style remains as aggressive as it was in 2021—a trend he implied would continue unless F1 changes its rules.
Max Verstappen has accumulated six penalty points in the past year, halfway to a potential race ban, second only to Fernando Alonso’s total of eight.
In a surprising turn, Ted Kravitz reported that Esteban Ocon emerged as Max Verstappen’s “biggest supporter” on media day, which stunned Kravitz given the two drivers’ turbulent history. Speaking on *Ted’s Podbook*, the Sky Sports F1 presenter noted his surprise considering their infamous clash at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2018, where Verstappen, who had been leading, collided with Esteban Ocon as the latter attempted to unlap himself. The incident culminated with the Dutchman shoving his rival in parc ferme, resulting in a community service penalty from the FIA.
Yet Esteban Ocon appears to have let the past go, expressing that in his view, a driver fighting for a title should have the freedom to “do anything” to defend his position. This unexpected support has added a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the Red Bull driver’s racing style and what limits should apply to championship contenders.
“Amazingly, considering their personal history, Esteban Ocon was Max’s biggest supporter today, when he was saying ‘look, when you’ve got to win a championship, you’re going to do anything’,” Ted Kravitz pointed out ahead of the Brazlian Grand Prix weekend – “Ocon said ‘I don’t like rules’, which I found quite funny.”
Mika Hakkinen has pinpointed a critical error Lando Norris made when racing against Max Verstappen.
Esteban Ocon, known as one of F1’s most combative drivers, has similarly been involved in multiple collisions, even with his own teammates. His fierce racing style might explain his support for Verstappen’s approach to racing.
Next month in Qatar, drivers will meet to discuss potential revisions to the racing rules, with Verstappen’s style sure to be a topic of debate. Veteran steward Johnny Herbert, though an admirer of Verstappen’s talent, has voiced concerns over the driver’s tendency to push the rules. He was especially critical of Verstappen’s aggressive defense against Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Former world champion Damon Hill also weighed in, expressing disappointment with Max Verstappen’s recent tactics. Hill described the Dutchman’s overtaking maneuver on Lando Norris in Mexico City, where the Red Bull man left the track and gained an advantage (resulting in a penalty), as a “silly” move that reflected poorly on his judgment.
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