Analyst critical of radio behaviour of drivers: 'Pure espionage'

Analyst and former Formula 1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck has little good to say about drivers who run over the radio complaining about their rivals. In conversation with ServusTV Stuck criticised the behaviour of this season's Formula 1 drivers.

Drivers complaining over the radio against their team is, of course, nothing new. Especially in the heat of the race, it is still quite common for a driver to be critical of whoever they are currently racing against. But Stuck is particularly annoyed by the complaints about one particular issue this season: claiming your rival is exceeding the track limits.

The German, who raced in Formula 1 himself in the 1970s, certainly does not hide his opinion. "I don't agree with what the drivers do in that regard," he said. "I would not say over the radio that this or that driver has exceeded the limits of the track. This is pure espionage. These little children need to put the pedal down instead. Sometimes you just have to let a race be a race."

The accusation appears to be directed at Hamilton

Stuck does not want to name names but he seems to be hinting at the US Grand Prix, in which Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a heated battle for the lead a few laps before the end. Hamilton was notably unhappy with how Verstappen handled the track limits and complained several times over the radio that Verstappen was overstepping the limits.