Max Verstappen doesn't agree with the three-place grid penalty he was given for this weekend's Russian Grand Prix, and while he admits it's not ideal, the Red Bull driver doesn't believe it's the end of the world either. Verstappen and Hamilton came together last time out at Monza, with the Dutchman's Red Bull car landing on top of the Mercedes. The stewards ultimately felt that Verstappen was predominantly to blame for the collision, resulting in the penalty. While Verstappen is looking to move on from the decision, he also has his own views on what took place. "I was, of course, already heading to the airport [in Italy]," Verstappen told RacingNews365.com and other members of the media when asked about the penalty. "I was a bit surprised to hear the three-place grid penalty, but at the end of the day, it's what they decided. "I don't need to agree with it. I have my own views, of course, but we'll just move on and make the best of it. It's not ideal, but it's not the end of the world." Given Verstappen will already serve a three-place grid penalty in Russia, there are questions as to whether Red Bull will also change his engine and serve both penalties this weekend. Team Principal Christian Horner recently told RacingNews365.com that a decision will be made over the course of the weekend , however Verstappen has stated he doesn't mind fighting through the field if needed. "There is less risk involved when you start from the front, which I think at the moment when you're fighting for the championship, it's a bit better," Verstappen added. "But I also don't mind fighting my way through and, of course, getting a good result. However, nowadays, I think the teams just behind us are too competitive to fully fight from the back without the interruption from a Safety Car or whatever. "Also with the cars, it's quite hard to overtake. Some tracks are a little bit better, but look at Monza. Normally that is a track where you should be able to pass, and it was super hard to even have a chance of passing. It will never be that easy."
Most read