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.
COMMENT: Why Bernie staying could mean more chance of change in F1
Scene at the Italian Grand Prix
2016 Italian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
DRIVER RATINGS: Italian Grand Prix
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Jenson Button will return to the World Endurance Championship in 2025 with Jota, as part…
Carlos Sainz believes that a potential partnership with Max Verstappen at Red Bull would have…
Romain Grosjean has shared heartfelt praise for his longtime friend and former Haas race engineer,…
Former F1 driver Brett Lunger, who turns 79 on this day, is pictured here hitching…
Formula 1 has announced a new agreement with the Automobile Club de Monaco that will…
The Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers are ready to put together an epic championship celebration…