International press critical of Verstappen's action: 'Mad Max was deaf'

After George Russell's first win and a long-awaited victory for Mercedes, the international press is talking full of praise for the team. Yet Max Verstappen is also mentioned a lot, this time not because of his impressive performance this weekend.

The Guardian - United Kingdom

All the media are impressed by Russell's victory, who managed to win his first Formula 1 race in Brazil. The incident between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is also often mentioned. The old title rivals met again almost a year later. "Russell started from pole and was unmatched out front but he had benefitted from F1’s eternal antagonists, Max Verstappen and Hamilton, once more tangling with one another in his wake. The pair clashed early in the race, dropping them down the field with Verstappen penalised for having caused the incident," wrote The Guardian.

Bild - Germany

The German Bild is surprised by the drama within the Red Bull Racing team. Verstappen did not want to pass his teammate for sixth position. The reason? The Dutchman was taking revenge for Monaco, where Perez allegedly deliberately put his car into the wall. "The team is already world champion constructors, Verstappen for the second time world champion among drivers. Second driver Perez is heading for second or third place - and yet Red Bull is seething at the end of the Brazilian race at Interlagos. The reason: probably over a story from the spring! But: now Mercedes are back!"

Gazzetta dello Sport - Italy

Also Gazetta dello Sport praised Russell for his victory. The Briton managed to stay ahead of the experienced Hamilton all weekend. "It is not correct to speak of a generational transfer, but it is certainly a fact that Mercedes' first win of the season bears the signature of the young lion and not the established champion."

Marca - Spain

There has also been criticism of the FIA again this weekend. Race officials gave Verstappen a five-second penalty for the incident with Hamilton, but not everyone thought that decision was entirely fair. Marca writes: "The race was marked by an accident on lap 7 between Verstappen and Hamilton. Incomprehensible that the five-second penalty went to the aggrieved driver and not to the one who did not leave room. The stewards again showed mistakes over the weekend with various actions."

AS - Spain

Besides criticising the FIA, the Spanish media also have a lot to say about Verstappen's behaviour in the closing stages of the race. The weekend in Brazil was anything but perfect for the Red Bull driver. "Verstappen, sixth, suddenly showed all the faults and vulnerabilities that had been overlooked during the season. Also the lack of sportsmanship: Red Bull asked him to give his spot to Perez, but 'Mad Max' was deaf," reads the article from AS.