Verstappen lashes out: 'I would never cry out for rules change'

Verstappen has mentioned multiple times that he races to win. In the past few races, such as Austin and Mexico, he has done exactly that. During the Austin GP, his hard racing left Lando Norris with a penalty. In Mexico, he was the one to receive the penalty. While there was criticism about the penalties he received, there was just as much (if not more) criticism about his driving techniques. 

Verstappen speaks about criticism over his racing behaviour

When asked about the criticism he has been facing, Verstappen simply said: "Honestly, even if that was the case, first of all, it wouldn't have mattered to me because I drive according to what I think is possible and what is allowed according to the rules. And if the rules are like that, then I will use them like that. If that had happened the other way around, I don't think I would have been the person to complain so loudly. I would just think, 'OK, if those are the rules, we'll do it that way', rather than shouting that we need to change the rules."

Would Verstappen ever allow someone to overtake him on the outside? It's not likely. The Red Bull driver said "personally, I don't race that way. When I race someone, he will not be allowed to overtake me on the outside. That's how I grew up racing. Some drivers are a bit more passionate in racing; that's just how they are. And I know that in Formula 1, I can't go on the outside because they will push me off the track. That's a racing instinct."

This article was translated by Savannah Lenz.