F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Brundle criticises Verstappen's 'junior formula' tactics

While former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle never misses an opportunity to express his admiration for Max Verstappen, he was critical of the Red Bull driver's defensive driving in Hungary.

Verstappen enjoyed a good scrap with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in the latter part of the race, the Finn often snapping at the Dutchman's heels who skillfully defended his position by making his car as 'wide' as possible. But Brundle was unimpressed.

"Max’s defensive technique is too junior-formula for my liking," Brundle explained.

"When he’s defending, he tends to loiter in the middle of the track and then at the last moment move to the side of the track where his opponent attacks, and cut them off."

In Brundle's view, it's only a matter of time before Verstappen eventually pays a price for his on-track defensive antics.

"It all looks a little too late – and it’s asking for trouble. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he will end up with some punctures and race ending damage with this technique.

"He was very lucky on Sunday that the contact with Raikkonen’s Ferrari wasn’t more grievous but this style will hurt him soon and it’s clear the other drivers are becoming frustrated with it to the point that one of them will have him off to teach him a lesson."

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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.