The tug-of-war between Max Verstappen and the FIA officers continues, and this time, Charles Leclerc is caught within the crossfire. The Dutchman didn’t recognize the therapy he obtained in Mexico, nor the feedback from sure high-profile TV pundits (particularly a sharp attack from Damon Hill). The championship chief defined that there’s nonetheless bias within the paddock, and he is aware of precisely whom to not belief.
The season’s last stretch is heating up, and tensions are excessive. Purple Bull and McLaren are the key rivals on this thrilling 2024 Components 1 season, with Ferrari more and more changing into a hard third participant. Whereas the Maranello crew garners sympathy from each Woking and Brackley, these on the Milton Keynes aspect discover themselves forged because the “villains” — a minimum of in sporting phrases.
Max Verstappen’s on-track habits solely reinforces this place: even in Mexico, the Dutchman appeared solely targeted on defending fiercely towards Lando Norris. His aggressive maneuvers went nicely past the laws, drawing the ire of an extended record of pundits and former F1 stars.
Max Verstappen Strikes Again: What’s the “Leclerc Problem”?
In an interview with *De Telegraaf*, a newspaper near the Austrian crew, Max Verstappen’s phrases had been removed from conciliatory: “I’ve heard it stated earlier than in my profession [that I should change my on-track behavior], however that is my tenth season in Components 1 — I believe I do know what I’m doing. I do my very own factor, and I’m a three-time world champion.” – he identified.
The Dutchman then went on the offensive, reiterating his view that some officers present bias of their judgments: “Some persons are a bit prejudiced. Fantastic, it’s not my downside; I do know who they’re.”
“I’ve to watch out to not swear, as I’d get punished once more. Though this appears to use solely to me: after the race in Mexico, I additionally heard another person swearing.” This thinly veiled jab was possible directed at Charles Leclerc or on the officers who, final weekend, selected to miss the “f-word” utilized by the Monegasque in a press convention (for which the Ferrari driver promptly apologized).