Red Bull F1 ace Max Verstappen says the support he received from Lewis Hamilton over his driving style shows the triple world champion is “a racer as well”.
The Dutchman came under increased scrutiny at the Italian Grand Prix after creating a stir for his robust dicing with the Ferraris at Spa. He even met FIA race director Charlie Whiting ahead of free practice, with Christian Horner later revealing that his driver had been given “a gentle warning”.
A defiant Verstappen held his ground in front of the media, insisting he would not change his approach to wheel-to-wheel racing. Multiple world champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton later defended the 18-year-old, with the Briton even calling him “an exceptional driver”.
Asked by Sky Sports News HQ about Hamilton’s remarks, Verstappen replied: “It's good. It shows that he is a racer as well.”
Verstappen stayed off the headlines at Monza, though F1’s hottest commodity showed some his racing flair as he carved from 12th up to seventh following a poor star.
2016 Italian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
DRIVER RATINGS - 2016 Italian Grand Prix
RACE REPORT: Rosberg wins at Monza to cut Hamilton gap to two points
COMMENT: McLaren's 2017 driver line-up: A stroke of genius?
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Mercedes heads into Formula 1’s final dance at Zandvoort with one glaring omission still sitting…
Yuki Tsunoda’s future could be taking an unexpected turn, with the Red Bull charger reportedly…
Alex Albon has thrown his weight behind Williams’ ambitious revival project, committing to remain with…
Ford’s return to the top tier of endurance racing suddenly feels a whole lot more…
Mercedes is refusing to pick sides in the 2026 Formula 1 title fight despite Kimi…
Guenther Steiner has questioned the very reason Gene Haas remains in Formula 1 given his…