Verstappen defends fiery radio messages post-Hungary GP

Budapest, Hungary — Max Verstappen had stern words for his critics following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where his outspoken radio messages became a focal point of controversy.

Throughout the race, Verstappen expressed increasing frustration towards race stewards' decisions and what he perceived as a flawed strategy from his Red Bull team. This resulted in several heated exchanges with his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase.

After Lambiase remarked, "well, that's some gentle introduction," suggesting that Verstappen had over-extended his new set of tyres, the Dutchman retorted sharply, "No mate, don't give me that s--- now. You guys gave me this s--- strategy, OK? I'm trying to rescue what's left."

Earlier in the race, Verstappen had bluntly stated: "It's quite impressive how we managed to get undercut. It completely f---ed my race."

When confronted post-race with critiques from pundits deeming his messages disrespectful, Verstappen brusquely replied, "They can all f--- off," before abruptly departing from the media pen.

Verstappen finished the race in fifth place, though he asserts it could have been higher if not for a late altercation with Lewis Hamilton. The two drivers made contact when Verstappen attempted an inside pass as Hamilton turned across.

Stewards investigated the incident and ruled out further action, having verified through telemetry that Hamilton had maintained his prior racing line. Verstappen was vocal about his frustration, stating, "I got a lot of s--- thrown at me in Austria with people saying moving under braking, blah blah blah. I am positioning my car on the initial movement and then I keep it straight."

He further elaborated, "Today, under braking he just kept turning to the right and that is why I also locked up because I was going for the move, but I saw the car on the outside kept coming at me. Otherwise, we would've already crashed before. I had to stop the car so that is why I locked up."

In their statement, the stewards highlighted telemetry and video evidence from Hamilton's car, confirming his consistency in taking the same line as in previous laps.

Speaking to Sky Sports about his intense radio messages, Verstappen defended his stance. "I don't think we need to apologise," he said. "I just think we need to do a better job. I don't know why people think you cannot be vocal on a radio. This is a sport. If some people don't like that then stay home."

Reflecting on the day's performance, he noted, "On a day when we're already lacking pace compared to McLaren you try and hope we do the right things with the strategy which today was not the case."

Verstappen's comments underscore his frustration with the current state of his team’s strategy and his determination to push for better results in the upcoming races.

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