Rosberg aims criticism at Verstappen over 3am sim race

2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has criticised Max Verstappen for sim racing into the early hours of Sunday morning before the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen, who is known to be an avid sim racer in his spare time, took part in an online event on Saturday night.

A difficult race event around the Hungaroring followed, during which he criticised Red Bull's strategy before making contact with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton en route to fifth place.

The Dutchman came under fire for stating critics of his aggressive radio messages can “fuck off“.

Rosberg, who was working as a Sky F1 pundit in Hungary, pointed to Lando Norris' strict schedule in the build-up to the race.

“I spoke to Lando last night and I was impressed actually, because he has learned how to become a more professional athlete,” said Rosberg.

“When he started F1, especially against Daniel Ricciardo, he wasn’t really trying to be perfect as an athlete.

“And yet now this weekend, for example, his bedtime was 1105, not 1100, wake up was 0805, breakfast was already set, exactly what to eat. 

“[It was] so hyper-professional, which was nice to know.”

Verstappen approach to the race was 'disappointing'

Verstappen and Red Bull have come under additional pressure of late following their strong start to the year.

The Dutchman won four out of the opening five races and appeared to be on course for a repeat of last year's campaign, which he dominated.

Rosberg suggested his desire to stay up late and sim race points being “too used” to holding a commanding lead over the F1 field.

“At the same time, in contrast, you had Verstappen, who until 3am last night was sim racing,” Rosberg added. 

“That’s a bit disappointing, isn’t it? It just shows that he’s too used to his ease of domination.”