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
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…