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?
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