Max Verstappen bore the brunt of a British backlash after his on-track spat with George Russell but vowed: “I’m still going to say what I think.”
The flying Dutchman believes his relationship with F1 fans in this country has hit a new low following his run-in with the Norfolk driver in Baku last week. The pair went head-to-head in the Sprint with Russell barging past his rival on turn two and their cars collided seconds later.
Verstappen was angry at the damage his car sustained and, shortly afterwards, levelled a barrage of insults in the direction of the Mercedes’ driver. When asked about the rumpus in Miami, the Russell said: “I’ll carry on racing the same way I always would.
“A lot’s been said about it - but I think it was quite straightforward - even though Max was very upset about it. This is racing - and it happens. We’re here to fight - that’s what F1 is all about.
“I still respect Max, he’s a great driver. And things are always said in the heat of the moment - let’s move on.”
Verstappen is known for his competitive streak and hasn’t shied away from the words used. When pressed for a comment on where his relationship was with the Silver Arrows’ man, he said: “It’s terrible,” before adding, “of course our relationship isn’t terrible.
“That’s what people might like to hear - but no, it’s absolutely fine.”
However, of more worry to Verstappen’s team is the reaction to the crash on social media. There is a fear in Red Bull circles about the level of negativity towards their driver which grew after his bitter fight for the world title with Lewis Hamilton two years ago.
After the two drivers collided last week, the Dutchman felt he was Public Enemy No.1 as he was hit by a tide of criticism.
“In my opinion, it was especially from English people,” he said, fuelling fears that there was a deeper element at play.
Verstappen has shrugged his shoulders in public, calming he does not care. But the knock-on effect from that is the sport’s bosses now fear he could be booed when mounting the podium - an occurrence that happened several times last season.
It is, however, important to counter-balance that by pointing out that former world champs Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have also had to face the music when they were hot property in the sport.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali remains a big supporter of the man who is the sport’s current flag-bearer. And he knows that conflict between the good guys and bad guys drives engagement. When that happens, sponsors flock to the sport.
That would be music to the ears of private equity owners Liberty Media, especially as they have invented the Sprint to give punters more on-track action, despite the lukewarm reception in the pits.
But, for now, Verstappen isn’t going to change.
As he said in the Sunshine State: “You know, I just say what I think and I’m going to keep doing that. If people have issues, that’s their problem.”
