Verstappen not interested in getting involved in 'media hype'

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Max Verstappen says he's steering clear of the controversy and media hype that followed his crash in the British Grand Prix and focusing on performing to the best of his ability in next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The debate over the high-profile run-in between the Red Bull driver and arch-rival Lewis Hamilton continues to rage on, with the Milton Keynes-based outfit announcing on Tuesday that it had lodged a petition with the FIA, calling for a review of the 10-second penalty levied upon Hamilton for causing a collision at Silverstone.

But Verstappen says he'll let his team handle the aftermath of the incident on the sporting front while he'll concentrate on doing his best out on the track.

"I don’t have much to say on all the media hype and to be honest I am not interested in getting involved in any of that," said the Dutchman in Red Bull's Hungarian Grand Prix preview.

"I know what happened at Silverstone as I was in the car and obviously I feel a certain way about how my race ended, but now I’m just focusing on making sure we are the best we can be on track so we can stay ahead in the championship.

"The Team can take care of the official side of things and anything that needs looking into after the crash but my job is the same as always - to be the best I can and try to win on Sunday.

"I enjoy Hungary as a track and let’s hope there is a little less action on the way to the grid as the mechanics worked some sort of miracle to get my car out for the race last year!"

Read also: Webber says 'bring on more' Verstappen/Hamilton duels

Verstappen admitted to still feeling a bit bruised by his 51G impact with the barriers at Silverstone, but the 23-year-old is nevertheless "ready to go".

"I’m happy to get back on track in Hungary this weekend, especially after the last race result," he said.

"I’m a little bruised of course but that’s normal after such a big impact but I’m training and feeling good.

"I did a 24hr sim race this week and it was a good test to see how my body would react to spending time sat in one position and behind screens for a long time.

"I felt absolutely fine which makes me feel positive heading into the weekend. I’m definitely ready to go again!"

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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.