Irritated Verstappen under heavy fire ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

It was to be expected after the Mexico Grand Prix. Even before Verstappen had joined the press conference, several questions about the Dutchman were already being asked. Lewis Hamilton first stated that Verstappen has no weaknesses, only to cite 2021 and state that Verstappen still drives in the same, dangerous way as he did in the title fight with him.

When it was time for the press conference with Verstappen, there were many questions for the Dutchman. Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda sat in just to make the numbers up. The questions they received were about Verstappen's actions or the racing guidelines, the latter being the subject due to Verstappen's actions.

Verstappen must defend himself in Brazil

Answering the first question from Tom Clarkson, the presenter of the FIA press conference, Verstappen immediately set the tone: "I've heard that before right in my career. It's my 10th year in Formula One. I think I know what I'm doing."

The first five questions asked by broadcasters were all directed at Verstappen. Sky Italia still asked whether Verstappen sometimes felt alone in F1, but Sky Sports' David Croft chose a different route. His question focused on Verstappen's tactics to defend his place at all costs.

'I think it's just you win some, you lose some. That's how it is in racing in general. I like to win. I don't like to lose." After the part for the broadcasters, the written press took control. They, too, had the familiar questions for Verstappen. The Press Association opened by asking how Verstappen viewed Damon Hill's comments and whether he feels he has been treated unfairly.

"I don't listen to those individuals," Verstappen responded. "I just do my thing. I'm a three-time world champion. I think I know what I'm doing."

Despite the fact that it was time for written media, David Croft got a chance to comment on Verstappen. The British broadcaster's commentator argued that as a three-time world champion, Verstappen could still learn anyway. If he doesn't listen to people like Hill, who does he listen to?

Verstappen's wrong passport

"People that are objective and close to me, and not just there to stir… I can't say the word because I'll probably get another [penalty]. Apparently, it only counts for me anyway! Because after the race in Mexico someone was swearing. I didn't hear anything from it,

"Some people are just being very annoying, and I know who these people are. I don't really pay a lot of attention to them anyway. I think I've got to this stage in my career with the right people supporting me and making my own decisions. So I think I know what I’m doing." Croft did not give up and asked twice more who Verstappen listened to, but Max felt it was pointless to mention those people by name.

In that respect, the attack on Verstappen shows the Dutchman is right when he argues that he has the wrong passport to the F1 paddock. To the Dutch media, he would later even suggest that all those people were annoyed that Red Bull was doing so well and were now happy to be able to sharpen the knives again.