Hamilton, Vettel Admit Verstappen Is Too Aggressive Following Incident-Packed Mexican GP

Max Verstappen is renowned for his brazen approaches when it comes to racing, so it is hardly surprising that a few of his Formula 1 rivals had a few things to say.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have admitted they have had to adapt their approach when racing Verstappen.

Comments came from other drivers, as well following the turbulent weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix, where despite the fast pace set, he failed to secure a podium position.

Verstappen qualified on pole though he was demoted to fourth after a penalty for ignoring yellow flags that were triggered after an accident for Valtteri Bottas during the third quarter.

It all started after making light contact with Hamilton as they went side by side through the first turn, and that forced both of the drivers on to the grass.

The Red Bull driver then went down the inside of Bottas in the stadium section. Though, he picked up a puncture after another contact with the Finn.

Bottas described the incident in the stadium claiming Verstappen had earned the puncture on his car when he was asked about the accident.

Hamilton indirectly bashed the Red Bull driver, saying some drivers are smart and aggressive on the track, while others are silly with their brazenness.

He added that Verstappen is a magnet for accidents as had been proven by the light contact at the start of the race, though he managed to keep the car going in a straight line.

Bottas claimed Verstappen came out of nowhere and appeared on the inside of the turn. He had nowhere to go from there. Max dived in, and they touched.

Hamilton did dial back, saying he did not think it was intentional but maintained, he usually gave Verstappen a lot of space because, if he did not, the result would be a collision.

When Vettel was asked the same question about racing with Max, he agreed emphatically with Hamilton.

There were instances Verstappen had been taken out of the race from incidences out of his control, though. For example, in the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc drove into the side of Verstappen’s car early in the race. He damaged it significantly and ruined the championship race for him.

Overall, it has been a frustrating weekend for the Red Bull driver, who is a two-time winner at the Mexican Grand Prix. For one, he was stripped off the pole position, and then he had an incident-packed race, which at one point got him to the back of the field. He did manage to recover and finish sixth.