Formula 1 Director of Motorsports Ross Brawn says Max Verstappen must learn to channel his emotions in the wake of the dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen rose from fifth to the lead – passing both Ferrari and Mercedes drivers – but was spun when backmarker Esteban Ocon attempted to un-lap himself.
Ocon was deemed responsibly for the incident and handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty.
Verstappen took to the radio to criticise Ocon before recovering to place a close second to Hamilton, though in the FIA’s Weigh Bridge area confronted the Frenchman and shoved him three times.
The FIA deemed it was a breach of its regulations dictating that no deliberate physical contact must make place and handed the Red Bull driver two days of public service
“The Dutchman’s push in the closing stages was not enough to retake the lead and after that, Max vented his anger in parc ferme, making physical contact with Ocon,” said Brawn.
“It was not an edifying sight and though understandable it was of course not justifiable.
“The incident with Ocon was a cruel moment, but in the aftermath Max showed [that] he has made enormous progress in his career [but he] is still not able to manage his emotions in these situations, an essential next step.
“Having said that, one mustn’t forget he is still very young and while his conduct wasn’t justifiable we can all understand the frustration he felt after the incident and again at the end of the race, the outcome of which should not cancel out what was an amazing performance from the Dutchman.
“After all, it’s not every day you drive past two Ferraris and two Mercedes.
“I’m sure Max will learn from what happened and that everything that happened, including the penalty he was given, will contribute to his development as a driver and mainly as a man.”
Brawn added that Ocon “didn’t think through” his attempt at getting by Verstappen.
“It has to be said there was no reason for him to take on Verstappen as though he was fighting for his first win in Formula 1,” said Brawn.
“He deserved the 10-second stop and go penalty he was given in the race. Drivers must not forget they are role models for the fans and for youngsters who want to follow in their footsteps.
“I don't think that Ocon, when he attacked Max during the race, was simply thinking of trying to get in the points.
“I believe it was more the case that he was caught up in the moment and didn’t think it through, maybe fighting to the death with the race leader might not have been the best plan, even when that driver is one with whom you had some spirited fights in the lower formulae.
“Overall, Sunday was a lesson for both Verstappen and Ocon, one they won’t forget in a hurry. It’s just another part of their learning curve.”
