Max Verstappen is adamant that he will not change his approach amid a fresh wave a criticism over his defensive driving at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman was sent tumbling down the order after damaging his car as he tried to squeeze down the inside of Kimi Raikkonen at La Source at the start. A spirited fightback was not enough to score points as he finished 11th.
The Red Bull driver would steal the headlines, however, with an aggressive move blocking Raikkonen with a late move to the inside on the Kemmel Straight after the Ferrari driver had already committed while using DRS, midway through the race.
Raikkonen once again voiced his disapproval at the youngster’s aggression, following similar incidents in Hungary, warning that it could lead to a massive accident.
According to reports, Raikkonen and team-mate Vettel will both meet with FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting ahead of this weekend’s Italian GP to discuss the situation.
Verstappen is also likely to come under-fire in Friday’s driver meeting, but he insists that there is no reason for him to change at this stage.
“To be honest, for me Spa is done,” the 18-year old said. “I think in general it was a great weekend, I enjoyed it a lot. Especially to see so many fans coming to the track with the orange colours it was amazing. So for me what happened in the race can happen sometimes, but I just focus ahead to Monza.
“I think in Turn 1 it was very unfortunate but afterwards I had some good fights again. There were no penalties given, so I think there is no reason to change something. I think it was all pretty clear. I just focus ahead and try to push again and just do my thing and show my driving style like it was before.”
The regulations allow only one defensive manoeuvre heading into a corner, but Verstappen has been known to loiter in the middle of the circuit before a late move under-braking.
His tactics have divided the F1 community, with some dismissing the protestations of his rivals, and others complaining as to why he has not yet been penalised.
