Verstappen: 'It's my duty to indicate if something is a big mistake'

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Max Verstappen felt compelled to call out the FIA Stewards' bad decision in Austin because that is his duty as a driver, said the 20 year-old.

The Stewards laid down the law at the US Grand Prix on Sunday hitting the Red Bull driver with a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by exceeding track limits during a bold overtaking move on Kimi Raikkonen on the final lap of the race.

Verstappen has found himself in hot water however after reacting to the controversial penalty by calling one of the Stewards - believed to be Aussie Garry Connelly - an 'idiot'.

Verstappen facing backlash over 'idiot' comment

Speaking to the Dutch media, he also labeled the FIA official a 'mongool', a term which subsequently upset a Down Syndrome group.

"It was said in the heat of the moment and of course I did not mean to hurt anyone," Verstappen told Ziggo Sport Totaal on Monday when told about the reaction to his 'mongol' comment.

He isn't going back however on his 'idiot' comment.

"I'm really not angry anymore," he told De Telegraaf newspaper.

"I had a super race and that is now the dominant feeling. But I called the steward an idiot and I will not take it back."

Verstappen says it is his responsibility to criticise where he sees fit.

"It was just unfair, and myself or Red Bull cannot even appeal," he said.

"That is ridiculous and it has to change. It is my duty as a driver to indicate if something in Formula 1 is a big mistake. And that is a big mistake."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.