Verstappen responds to Hamilton/Vettel: "I'm in their heads"

Max Verstappen has responded to criticism over his approach to racing from Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, calling their comments “disrespectful” and saying it shows “I’m in their heads”.

Hamilton and Vettel both said after last Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix that they look to give Red Bull driver Verstappen more space on-track when going wheel-to-wheel given the Dutchman’s aggressive driving style.

Verstappen and Hamilton made contact while fighting for position on the opening lap in Mexico, with Hamilton saying that thought he would get “torpedoed”.

“I think from my side, it was a bit of a silly comment to make because I think I’m always a hard racer but fair. I think it’s just not correct,” Verstappen said in response to Hamilton’s comments, which were supported by Vettel.

“But of course it’s easy to have a dig at someone. From my side, it’s fine. I think it’s always positive when they talk about you, because that means you’re in their heads.

“From my side, I just focus on my driving. I think that’s enough said.”

Asked if he felt he was being targeted by Hamilton and Vettel over driving standards, Verstappen said he would rather answer their criticism on-track.

“I think from my side, it only shows that I’m in their heads. I guess that’s a good thing,” Verstappen said.

“I don’t need to dig into other people in a press conference. First of all, I think it’s a bit disrespectful as well, and I prefer to fight on-track which I love to do. Of course I like to fight hard, but on the edge, otherwise if they want me to stay behind, it’s also better to stay at home.

“I really want to take the fight to them, because that’s what we are here for. We are racers, we are in Formula 1, I think we are the best out there.

“We do fight for victories, because that’s what I live for.”