Smiling Verstappen refuses to respond to McLaren attack: 'Who is Zak Brown?'

After finishing fourth in qualifying, Verstappen spoke at length to the press. Not in the press conference, where Verstappen normally sits in as part of the top three, but in the square in front of the TV and then written media.

While in the first part with the international media, Verstappen mainly received many questions about qualifying, the Dutch media also briefly discussed the hassle after the Austrian GP. Verstappen had clearly resolved not to respond to that. When asked if he had already faced any boos or if he needed extra security, a short 'no' followed, after which he answered 'yes' to the question of whether he sleeps on the track.

Verstappen begrudges Zak Brown a response

Still, Zak Brown's comments on Friday were remarkable. Just after Norris and Verstappen had made peace, the McLaren CEO threw oil on the fire again: ''Got nothing to do with it,'' was Verstappen's short but concise response to a question from GPblog.

Still, Verstappen does notice that he is becoming calmer in situations like this. ''Back then I didn't have as many wins and titles either. You are a bit more relaxed about it then. I understand it all, that's why I said myself let's just cool it.''

Asked if he would have done the same in the past, Max said: ''I don't want to say that, but I understand that you are emotional and that you are disappointed. I was also disappointed with what happened in Austria. Only you don't have to shout everything on camera right away. The important thing is that you just understand between each other (about his relationship with Lando Norris).''

While Zak Brown called for clear rules, the subject of moving under braking did not appear to be discussed at all during the drivers' meeting. Verstappen stated that he had certainly not been attacked either. Asked about Brown's suggestion to move to a situation with full-time stewards, Verstappen replied: ''Who is Zak Brown'', before bursting into laughter and walking away.