Verstappen dismisses Norris move criticism with 'kindergarten' claim

Max Verstappen has asserted F1 drivers are not in “kindergarten” following his tussle with Lando Norris at the US Grand Prix.

Verstappen and Norris went side by side into the opening corner in Austin, Texas last weekend after both started on the front row of the grid.

The duo went off the track as Verstappen launched an attack on the McLaren driver, allowing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to sweep through for the lead.

Leclerc would go on to take victory, while Verstappen and Norris classified in third and fourth respectively after Norris received a five-second time penalty for overtaking Verstappen off the track at Turn 12 later in the race.

Verstappen has deflected criticism from the opening lap, insisting he did not force Norris off the track.

“I didn’t push anyone out,” the three-time world champion told Canal+. “We didn’t touch. 

“I tried to make the corner. I was on full lock. It’s racing. We’re not in kindergarten.”

Verstappen highlights COTA Turn 1 'opportunity'

Verstappen is currently attempting to fend off a threat from Norris in the drivers' standings, with the gap now sitting at 57 points with five rounds remaining.

With the opening corner at COTA offering the first opportunity to get the better of his rival, Verstappen highlighted the turn's wide nature allowed him to approach it with aggression.

“There was a gap on the inside, so I went for it,” he told media including RacingNews365. “That corner is very wide, so it gives you a lot of opportunity of going very wide or try to go really tight. 

“I chose for that option, and I still came out second! 

“Started second, came out second out of Turn 1. This time, of course, it was Charles in front. 

“I think it worked out quite well for me because Charles was anyway faster, so he just pulled away. From there, I just tried to do my own race.”