Max Verstappen: “I’m being treated differently and it’s unfair”

Max Verstappen had recently gotten into the habit of not making sensational statements to the press. The atmosphere has visibly changed in the clan Red Bull after a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which left its mark.

Penalized twice, first for defending against Lewis Hamilton by cutting the first chicane then after applying the brakes in a straight line in front of his rival which led to a collision, Verstappen still managed to save a 2nd place.

This result allows him to arrive in Abu Dhabi on equal points with Hamilton – 369,5 points on each side – while retaining control of the Drivers’ championship thanks to the number of victories (9-8).

Despite this infinitesimal but potentially decisive advantage, Vertappen has still not digested the Jeddah scenario and he did not hold back from making it known during a special media session organized this Thursday at Yas Marina.

« Clearly, the regulations do not apply in the same way to everyone., scolded the Red Bull driver. What I was able to do in terms of defensive driving, two other guys did the same, and they weren't even worried.

I don't understand because I simply had the feeling of having fought hard. In my eyes, this did not deserve any penalty, the same for the other two drivers. But clearly, it is only me who finds myself sanctioned.

When you are at the forefront, you find yourself more easily under fire from critics but I don't understand ».

Relaunched several times to find out if he intended to change his approach in order to avoid new sanctions during the 2021 final, Verstappen remained straight in his boots.

« For me, I did nothing wrong, repeated the person concerned. But clearly, I was the only one at fault. Other people do the same thing and get nothing at all.

We were both over the white line in Turn 1 and they felt it was my fault. I do not agree ».

The Dutchman also resents the fact that Hamilton was able to pass him at the last corner by pushing him to the outside later in the race.

« He pushed me off the track, he even looked at me and didn't negotiate the turn, Verstappen said, without ever mentioning the name of his opponent during the media session. He only got a warning for pushing me outside the white lines.

Things shouldn't happen like this. Other drivers can behave in the same way and not be worried ».

• Two weights, two measures ?

The Red Bull driver considers himself the victim of a double standard in the application of the FIA ​​regulations.

« The criticism will always be there but I'm treated differently and it's unfair, he blurted out. I just ask that it be the same for everyone. This is clearly not the case

I don't feel like I've done anything wrong. Why should I change my behavior when others have the right to do so? What is happening is not right ».

On the eve of a potentially historic weekend for his career, Verstappen also claims to feel “ really good, very relaxed, and determined to win ". Will he agree to greet Hamilton if the latter is champion?

« If things go fairly, then yes » replies the fiery Batavian before concluding by confessing that the 2021 season had changed his perception of the team Mercedes. " And not in a positive way » he said, in reference to the seismic collision at Silverstone, the aftershocks of which were still felt...

We wish courage to FIA race director Michael Masi, who sent a warning to Verstappen and Hamilton in his pre-GP instructions, to ensure order reigns this weekend in the event of a stormy outcome...