Brundle makes Verstappen 'legacy' claim after Red Bull radio anger

Ex-Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has called for Max Verstappen to treat Red Bull employees better over the radio, with the Briton not wanting to see the Dutchman's 'legacy' tarnished.

The reigning world champion heavily criticised Red Bull's strategy during last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix and post-race, where he told critics to "fuck off". 

Verstappen questioned the team, the stewards and the way he was being raced by others, although it was how he spoke to race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase which raised significant eyebrows. 

Red Bull opted to pit Verstappen later than most others for his opening pit-stop which infuriated the 26-year-old, with Lambiase having received the brunt of the driver's radio anger.

"Hamilton would pit on lap 16, followed by Norris on lap 17, and the leader Piastri on lap 18," wrote Brundle in his Sky Sports column. 

"Verstappen wouldn't be called in until lap 21, and while Lewis thought his was too early, Max furiously thought his team called him in much too late because he lost track position to Hamilton.

"Cue much angst and beeping required for Max's radio calls as he berated his long-suffering engineer and friend Gianpiero Lambiase, and the team who've given him every one of his race victories and three, probably soon-to-be four, world championships."

Verstappen behaviour check

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was not happy with Verstappen after the race regarding how he spoke about the team, and insisted talks would take place with the driver behind-the-scenes.

Brundle does not question Verstappen's talent in the slightest and is a fan of the three-time world champion but wishes he treated the Milton Keynes-based team better. 

The former F1 driver does not want to see Verstappen's "legacy" tarnished by his behaviour and wants his achievements to be what is remembered, although expects the Dutchman would simply give him a seven-letter response.

"I always say that you can't cherry-pick the bits you like about world-class sports people, they come as a package which adds up to their success," continued Brundle. 

"I'm such a fan of Max as a driver and a person, in awe of his talent, but I wish he didn't treat the team like that. 

"His legacy should be more sporting, but we now know the two words, consisting of only seven letters, he would reply to that statement."