Max Verstappen has responded to criticism he received following his clash with Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.
Verstappen was involved in a late-race collision with Norris as they battled for the lead, resulting in terminal injuries for the McLaren driver.
The stewards deemed Verstappen to be at fault and handed the Dutchman a 10-second penalty and two penalty points on his superlicence.
Verstappen was criticised by some after the race, with his defence labelled ‘questionable’ while McLaren also took aim at his former record.
However, Verstappen has claimed he is unmoved by those who have spoken out against him as he seeks to maintain his strong relationship with Norris.
“I don’t care at all,” the three-time world champion told the media, including Racing News 365. “I go home, I live my life.
“The only thing I care about is my relationship with Lando.”
Verstappen won’t discuss topic at F1 meeting
Despite his penalty, Verstappen managed to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, while Norris was forced to retire from the race.
Although Verstappen does not agree with his penalty, the Dutchman will not raise the issue during the traditional drivers’ briefing on Friday.
“I don’t need to talk about it because even if you get a penalty for that kind of thing, there have been much worse things that have happened when braking or giving space to another car in the past.
“Naturally, I don’t agree with a 10-second penalty.
“But again, for me, the only thing that was really important at the end of that weekend was just my relationship with Lando.
“Every person is different, every person reacts to things a little bit differently. I have a good relationship with Lando, so I know what he’s like and as a person.
“That’s what I’m focusing on, looking at the past doesn’t interest me.”
News Source : racingnews365.com
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