Verstappen rejects ‘worse than normal’ claim after radio meltdown

Max Verstappen has disagreed with claims that his aggression over the Red Bull radio was "worse than normal", whilst the Dutchman has delivered the team a "severe" warning. 

The reigning world champion was disgruntled throughout last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix and fired several questionable radio messages towards race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. 

Verstappen was highly critical of Red Bull's strategy which saw him finish fifth in the Hungaroring, whilst he also escaped a penalty for a collision with Lewis Hamilton. 

He took aim at Red Bull and the stewards over the radio throughout the race, before telling critics afterwards to "fuck off". 

When speaking to select media including RacingNews365 after the race, a journalist informed the Dutchman that his anger over the radio was "worse than normal", a claim the 26-year-old quickly disagreed with.

"I don't agree with that," Verstappen said. "I was just annoyed, of course, with today. 

"Maybe the team at the time didn't realise I think what they did wrong or they maybe didn't see was so severe. But of course in the car you have also the feelings."

Verstappen went on to question whether everyone at Red Bull is working in the same direction, having made similar complaints about the RB20 throughout the Hungarian GP weekend.

"Yeah, I already said that maybe some people are not on the same wavelength," insisted Verstappen. "It's as severe as it is."

Verstappen radio anger 'not distracting'

Verstappen's first complaint on the radio came on the first lap after taking to the run-off to avoid a collision with both McLarens at opening corner. 

A couple of laps later and he was furious again after being told by Red Bull to drop behind Lando Norris, who he overtook off the circuit. 

The trend continued throughout the race, although Verstappen also downplayed whether being angry over the radio can be a distraction when battling.

"Of course, I'm annoyed, but I've been annoyed before," Verstappen pointed out.

"Sometimes you press the radio to voice your opinion and that's what I did today, hoping that maybe the second pit-stop would be a better call. But it wasn't. 

"For me that is not distracting when I'm driving. Of course, I'm annoyed but you also then focus back on what you have to do and that's control the car."