Verstappen lashes out at 'idiot' Ocon, and it gets physical!

40

A livid Max Verstappen lashed out at Esteban Ocon, labeling the Force India driver an "idiot" for spinning him out of the lead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

With the benefit of fresher tyres, Ocon set out to unlap himself on lap 44 when he attempted to drive around the outside of the leader of the race at Turn 1.

Verstappen held the advantage however on the exit but was hit at the rear right by Ocon, a contact that pitched both cars into a spin.

Hamilton hangs on in Brazil as Mercedes takes team title

Despite a damaged floor, Verstappen managed to salvage second but failed to overhaul race winner Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman had a few harsh words for Ocon, which he followed up by getting up close and personal with his opponent as the drivers were weighed in after the race in the FIA garage.

"We had a great car. Then, by such an idiot, to get taken out while he is being lapped. I have no words," Verstappen said.

Ocon was penalized 10 seconds by the race stewards and handed three penalty points on his licence, but the Frenchman insisted he had simply exercised his right to un-lap himself.

"I was two laps behind Max, the first lap I was a lot faster, the second lap I was a lot faster, I had fresh tyres basically," explained Ocon.

"The rules say you are allowed to unlap yourself if you are faster. That’s what I did on the second lap, because I saw I had massive pace.

"I went around the outside of him, that's the same move I did on many other drivers, coming from last on the first lap. But it didn't happen the same."

Speaking about the pair's altercation in the FIA garage, Ocon admitted he was surprised by Verstappen's post-race reaction.

"What I'm really surprised of is the behavior of Max, coming into the scale, and the FIA having to stop him from being violent, pushing and wanting to punch me. That is not professional."

The end result of the spat is that both drivers have been summoned to the stewards, likely to explain both their on and off-track actions.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.