'Tough' Verstappen makes no apologies: 'That's his trademark'

After Max Verstappen and Lando Norris's battle during the Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen was once again ridiculed for his driving style. His techniques were called out as "unsportsmanlike." After gaining an off-track advantage, Verstappen held the position at the expense of Norris's race. Norris was unable to pass Verstappen quickly. 

Verstappen's trademark

In Brazil, Verstappen mentioned that he understood the penalty he received. He did not go on to apologize for it, as that is his "trademark" racing style. Van Der Garde mentions that ''All he wants is to win races. He goes all-in, and sometimes it is a bit too much.'' In his conversation with Tom Clarkson and Natalie Pinkham, he continued, "We saw this in Mexico, especially with the second action, where he went too wide and pushed Lando off the track".

Van Der Garde was featured on the podcast's Las Vegas Grand Prix episode, where the defending champion, Verstappen, was a hot topic. Van De Gardefeels as if Verstappen's trade mark is that  "he never makes excuses for anything he does. He races hard because he wants to win. He wants to win titles; he wants to win races. That's how he is; people know that from his beginnings in Formula 1. He races hard. Anyone who sees Max Verstappen in the mirrors thinks, 'Here he comes again'". 

Verstappen managed to silence the critics a week after Mexico with his performance in Brazil. Once again, he showed what he is made of by winning the Brazilian GP in bad weather and from 17th place. 

This article is in collaboration with Tim Kraaij.