Max Verstappen says he regrets some of his immediate post-race comments in the aftermath of his penalty at the US Grand Prix, but insists his sanction was “not correct”.
Verstappen, on a two-stop strategy, overhauled one-stopping Kimi Räikkönen on the final lap through Turn 17 to grab third place, but was immediately demoted, after exceeding track limits to do so.
Verstappen criticised “one idiot steward”, commented that their decisions were ruining Formula 1, and suggested spectators should stay away from next year’s event.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, Verstappen accepted he went too far with his comments, but stood by his viewpoint.
“I could have used different words, for sure, but I was angry at that time because I think it was not correct,” he said.
“You also have to understand a bit my point. Of course, the words were not correct, but I can’t change that.
“They were not meant for anyone, I was not trying to offend anyone, otherwise I would have named them by names, if I wanted to offend someone.
“Everybody was running off the track at Turn 19, 8 and 9, even in Turn 6 when you were behind someone you were cutting the inside – a lot of cars were doing it.
“I think also the fans loved it, it was a great move. Then they tell you that you are gaining an advantage while overtaking someone.
“If I was really gaining an advantage I would do it every single lap. I don’t think it’s gaining an advantage.
“A lot of people did it was well, cutting the inside of the corners, and I’m the only one who is getting penalised, which is not correct.
“I think it’s quite normal that I get angry. I could have used a few different words, but I still think the decision is not correct.”
On how he moved on from the setback, Verstappen said: “I had an event on Monday, then I just stayed around Houston, because that’s where I had to be, and played FIFA.
“At the end of the day, I still had a great race. Of course I was not happy that they took away my podium.
“But you also have to look at the positives. I’m still a happy person, because the speed was good.”
