Jos Verstappen had a go at “negative journalists from
England”, warning them that criticism of Max Verstappen would only make him
better.
The Verstappens, both father and son, are unhappy with
the British Formula 1 press as they feel the Red Bull driver has been unfairly
and harshly criticised over his recent antics.
Jos Verstappen: I think the whole world saw who is the
very best
Verstappen came
in for some stick after the United States Grand Prix when, although it was
Lando Norris who was penalised, the Dutchman’s tactics at Turn 12 were
questioned as he pushed his McLaren rival off the track with no intention of
making the corner himself.
They were back at it again in Mexico, this time
Verstappen being penalised first for forcing Norris off the track at Turn 4 and
then a few corners later he was hit with another 10-second penalty for leaving
the track and gaining an advantage. In that move he dived up the inside of the
Briton, pushing them both wide even though there was a wall only metres from
the edge of the run-off.
Norris called it dangerous, Martin Brundle said it was
“plain dangerous”, Damon Hill said he’s “not sure” Verstappen can race fairly
and Johnny Herbert, well the FIA steward had a lot to say and not much of it
was particularly flattering.
The conflict rumbled on into Brazil where Verstappen said
“some people are just a bit biased” while his father Jos Verstappen called on
the FIA to look at the stewards and “whether there is no appearance of a
conflict of interest” as some have “more
sympathy for certain drivers“.
Verstappen though, had the last word as he came from 17th
place on the grid to win a wet Brazilian Grand Prix by 20 seconds, and in doing
so all but sealed the World title as he extended his lead to 63 points with a
maximum of 86 still in play.
Jos Verstappen couldn’t resist another dig as he celebrated
his son’s first win in 11 races.
“He showed who is the best today,” he crowed to Sky
Deutschland. “And I also believe he was very motivated after the negative
journalists from England and the negative drivers.
“But today he showed who is the best. They think they are
taking him out of his good mood, but he will only get better because of it.
“I’m very proud of what he showed today. I think the whole
world saw who is the very best.”
Verstappen also had a go in jest after the Grand Prix as he
spoke with the media at the FIA press conference, where he was joined by Alpine
team-mates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Looking around the room, he said: “I have a quick question here. I mean, I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press!
.webp)
