Verstappen annoyed at ‘idiot’ Ocon after clash
Max Verstappen has branded Esteban Ocon an “idiot” after the Force India driver collided with him whilst leading the Brazilian Grand Prix as he tried to unlap himself.
Verstappen, who started from the third row of the grid, led the race with a comfortable margin to second-placed Lewis Hamilton when Ocon attempted to regain a lap after making a second pitstop for fresh tyres.
The Frenchman went around the Red Bull’s outside into Turn 1, but – unaware Ocon was alongside him into Turn 2 – Verstappen turned in and made contact with Ocon’s left-front tyre, causing him to spin and lose a place to Hamilton.
Angered a potential victory had been lost, Verstappen vented his frustration at Ocon post-race, as the two contorted each other in the FIA garage – both of which have been summoned to visit the stewards.
“We had a great car. Then, by such an idiot, to get taken out while he is being lapped. I have no words,” Verstappen said immediately after the race.
“It was stupid, stupid risk. Of course you are allowed to unlap yourself, but I mean it’s really weird how that happened.
“I think the penalty says enough from his side, so from me there’s not much more to comment.”
Pressed to comment on the off-track incident where he was captured shoving Ocon several times, Verstappen said: “I went to him to ask, and he just gave me a stupid response from his side,” Verstappen said when asked about the push.
“When you are emotional and stuff like that, and I’m a racer as well.
“At the end of the day, nothing happened. I don’t know what his problem is.”