Max Verstappen voiced his frustration in Canada over ongoing questions about a potential Formula 1 race ban, branding the speculation “childish” and saying he is “pissed off” with the narrative.
The Red Bull driver qualified on the front row in Montreal behind George Russell in what could be a spicy race start for the Canadian Grand Prix.
Verstappen faces the looming threat of a potential race ban over the next two races in Canada and Austria.
After an incident with the Mercedes driver in Spain, he now has 11 points on his FIA Super Licence, just one shy of an automatic suspension.
The Dutchman has been quizzed over his approach to the race weekend many times, whether he would adapt it considering his precarious situation with the penalty points.
Just missing out on provisional pole, he was asked once again for his thoughts on the matter, but he wasn’t in the mood this time to entertain such questions.
“I don’t need to hear it again, it’s really pissing me off,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“You were speaking about it on Thursday. It’s such a waste of time. It’s very childish.
“That’s why I also don’t want to say too much, because it’s really annoying.”
Verstappen addressed the potential race ban on Thursday, insisting he wasn’t overly concerned and would instead trust in his ability to race as he always does.
He currently trails Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Standings by 49 points after the opening nine rounds, with a chance to gain on the McLaren driver on Sunday, starting one place ahead of him.
Verstappen credits team execution for Canada P2 qualifying result
The 27-year-old was on course to finish on the podium in Spain, but still lacked performance compared to the leading McLarens.
However, the RB21 appeared to make strides at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, evident by Verstappen’s qualifying result.
When asked how much of his improved performance in Canada was down to changes made to the Red Bull car or to his own skill, Verstappen explained that while the car itself hadn’t changed since Barcelona, the team’s preparation and execution played a key role in the turnaround.
“The car has been the same as Barcelona, but I do think that the team did a great job,” he added.
“When we arrived, the car was immediately in the right window.
“So, set-up-wise, I think the team did a very good job, and then, of course, it’s fine-tuning about little bits and then, of course, choosing the right tyres for qualifying.
“But overall, I’ve been fairly happy with the car, which has been definitely a bit more hit-and-miss for us this season.
“I think we just also need to focus on the overall performance that we, maybe, are lacking sometimes.
“But also sometimes we are chasing the balance of the car, so it’s two different things.
“But this weekend, I felt good, and that’s why I’m also very happy to be second today in qualifying.”
READ MORE – George Russell: F1 race ban for Max Verstappen ‘wouldn’t be unjust’ after ‘reckless’ driving
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