Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says recent criticism of Max Verstappen's driving has had no impact on the 18-year-old.
Verstappen came under fire from Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel for his driving during the Belgian Grand Prix, with FIA race director Charlie Whiting also giving the Dutchman a "gentle warning" ahead of first practice in Monza. However, there were also defendants of Verstappen - such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso - as the Red Bull superstar remained the centre of attention.
After Verstappen finished seventh in the Italian Grand Prix - recovering from a poor start - Horner says the 18-year-old has not been fazed by the focus on him.
"I haven’t seen any effect on him at all, obviously he takes it all on board, he’s a young guy that’s going through different experiences and growing and learning," Horner said.
"Like any 18-year-old it’s water off a ducks back, he’s focussed on his racing, he is who he is and he’s just getting on with it and he’s not changing just because someone says he should."
And Horner says the approach shows Verstappen's capacity to deal with criticism, adding: "Absolutely, I think his mental strength is back with all the super drivers they all have that strength."
Verstappen secured seventh place in the closing stages of the race at Monza, overtaking Sergio Perez with five laps remaining. The result leaves him sixth in the drivers' championship, 40 points adrift of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in third.
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