Max Verstappen: I am a three-time champion and I know what I am doing

After the race in Mexico City, there was a lot of criticism of Max Verstappen for pushing Lando Norris off the track. In particular, 1996 world champion Damon Hill believes that the Red Bull Racing driver does not know how to fight fairly. At the FIA ​​press conference in Sao Paulo, Verstappen was asked to comment on the criticism.

“I don’t listen to these people,” Max replied. – I’m just doing my job. I’m a three-time world champion and I know what I’m doing. Over the years of my career I have heard that I need to change my approach, but I am now in my tenth year in Formula 1 and I know what I am doing.”

When asked whose advice he listens to, Verstappen said: “People who are objective and close to me, not people who are just around and making a fuss.

Some people are just annoying. I know who they are, but I try not to pay too much attention to them because I think I’m at a point in my career where I have the right people supporting me and I can make my own decisions. Like I said, I know what I’m doing.”

After the race in Mexico City, Charles Leclerc uttered an insult at the official press conference, but no action was taken by the FIA. Max Verstappen also drew attention to this episode: “I can’t say a word because I’m going to have another one… I know someone swore after the race in Mexico City, but I haven’t heard that any sanctions have been imposed it. This only seems to apply to me, so I might as well stop swearing.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has already announced that Verstappen’s car will undergo an engine change during the stage in Brazil, which will lead to a loss of position. As Max explained, this is not yet certain: “I haven’t heard anything about a replacement yet. We haven’t discussed this topic, but I know the engine will need to be replaced at some point. Let’s see where this happens.

We’ve had a lot of problems lately that are hard to explain. The results are entirely up to us and we try to be as competitive as possible. And on every route the balance of power changes. In addition, the asphalt on this route has been completely replaced, which also raises questions.

In general the car lacks speed. Of course it could have been better, but unfortunately we were not able to see these long-term problems in advance. We are in a very painful situation. When the fight is so close and you’re a little behind, you need to maximize everything you have at your disposal. But we couldn’t do that in Mexico City.”