Verstappen strikes back

Of course, it’s easy to have a dig at someone, but from my side, it’s fine. It’s always positive when someone talks about you because it means you are in their heads.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - OCTOBER 31: Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing talks in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. Clive Mason/Getty Images/AFP

AUSTIN, Texas (AFP) — Max Verstappen hit back at his critics, including Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, saying their post-race comments in Mexico proved that he was “in their heads.”

The Red Bull driver told reporters at a news briefing at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of this weekend United States Grand Prix that Mercedes’ Hamilton had been “silly” and “disrespectful” in what he had said.

Hamilton, who is set to win his sixth drivers’ world championship this weekend, had answered questions about the Dutchman’s on-track aggression by saying he treated him differently to other rivals and gave him extra room.

The pair had clashed on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix and while Hamilton recovered to win the race, Verstappen went on to collect a puncture in a failed attempt to pass Valtteri Bottas, in the second Mercedes before pitting.

He finished sixth after a thrilling drive through the field.

Verstappen objected, he said, to Hamilton saying he had been “torpedoed.”

“Looking at Turns One and Two in Mexico, I don’t think that happened,” he said. “I think, from my side, it is a bit of a silly comment to make because I think I always race hard, but fair, and I think it is just not correct.”

“Of course, it’s easy to have a dig at someone, but from my side, it’s fine. It’s always positive when someone talks about you because it means you are in their heads.”