McLaren CEO Zak Brown has criticised Max Verstappen by branding him as a "bruiser", insisting the Dutchman can be "too aggressive" at times.
Verstappen heads into this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix 49 points adrift of McLaren's Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' title, knowing that if he falls 10 further points behind his chances of a record-equalling fifth consecutive crown will be over.
It is very much all-or-nothing for the four-time world champion in Sin City, as he simply must finish ahead of both McLaren drivers to keep any realistic title hope alive.
To do so, it could result in the 28-year-old needing to get his elbows out, something he has done on several occasions in the past.
However, according to Brown, Verstappen has at times exceeded the limits of fair racing, with the McLaren boss having given the example of São Paulo on a "handful" of occasions.
In Brown's opinion, Verstappen has pulled several moves on Lewis Hamilton in Brazil which were beyond the limit, with him never being afraid of racing aggressively.
Asked if Red Bull race dirty, Brown told The Telegraph: "I don’t want to disparage Max…. He’s a four-time world champion. He can be a bruiser, too aggressive on track. His arrogance comes out.
"If you look at some of the greatest champions in Formula 1, they’ve had some arrogance about them. They get their elbows out."
Discussing if Verstappen has gone over the limit, Brown answered: "Max has crossed the line on track at times."
Pushed for an example, Brown responded: "In Brazil against Lewis Hamilton over time. A handful of his passes on Lewis were overly aggressive."
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