Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has slammed McLaren CEO Zak Brown on Viaplay . This after the Woking-based team’s big boss, according to Verstappen, does not have the right mentality when it comes to racing in Formula 1 .
Max Verstappen started the last Formula 1 season very strongly and seemed to be heading for a relatively easy fourth world title. But as the season progressed, the Dutchman found it increasingly difficult with teams like McLaren and Ferrari, who had the faster car than Verstappen for a large part of the year.
McLaren driver Lando Norris in particular used a fast car and caused Verstappen problems. This in turn caused both gentlemen to touch each other several times at exciting moments in races and the Limburger received quite a bit of criticism for that, certainly from McLaren.
For example, after a collision between Verstappen and Norris during the Mexico City Grand Prix, McLaren boss Zak Brown said he regretted Verstappen pushing Norris off the track, as the Dutchman is “a great driver” and should not be exhibiting such driving behaviour.
Verstappen gives clear response to Zak Brown
Asked for a reaction to those statements from Brown and all the criticism he had to endure last season, Verstappen comes with a very clear reaction. “Yes, but they don’t have the mentality of a world champion. I will always go to the limit to get the most out of every race and if I have to force it, then that’s just how it goes. Sometimes you have to cross a line. Well, that’s what I do ,” the Red Bull driver started in the end-of-year interview with Viaplay.
Verstappen does not regret his actions towards Norris during the Grand Prix in question in Mexico City. “No, not at all in that race. I think I won points there. So like I said, I will always do everything I can to get the maximum result for a championship. And of course sometimes you have to go to the limit or over the limit, and not everyone understands that. Not everyone has that mentality ,” said Verstappen.