Verstappen hits back at F1 critics

Max Verstappen has hit back at critics of his F1 dominance as he eyes a record-breaking 10th win in a row at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman has been in scintillating form this term having secured victory in every event other than the Saudi Arabian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, stretching out his advantage over teammate Sergio Perez to 138 points.

Verstappen equalled the F1 record of nine wins in succession at the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, joining Sebastian Vettel and Alberto Ascari [ignoring his Indy 500 absence] but his dominance has led to criticism from fans, either suggesting the Red Bull is doing most of the work or that the two-time champion's stranglehold is boring.

Speaking to PA, Verstappen said of his critics: “They cannot appreciate dominance or just people executing their jobs.

“It is nothing really new in Formula 1, and I cannot do much with those kinds of comments. Does it bother me? No. It would probably be worse if they were talking about other stuff. I am enjoying what I am doing and I hope I can do it for a while.

“I don’t want it to stop. We have another good opportunity this weekend. I believe I can win every single race.”

Not about recognition

Rival Fernando Alonso suggested Verstappen was not given the plaudits he deserves after victory in front of his home crowd in changeable conditions at Zandvoort.

“It is not about getting the recognition because I know how hard it is to do,” insisted Verstappen.

“If it was very easy, more drivers would have won nine in a row, and more teams would have done it, and that is not the case. It hasn’t been straightforward either. In Zandvoort especially, a lot of things could have gone wrong, and in the end we still handled that really well.

“It is not about getting the recognition because I know how hard it is to do,” said Verstappen.

“If it was very easy, more drivers would have won nine in a row, and more teams would have done it, and that is not the case. It hasn’t been straightforward either. In Zandvoort especially, a lot of things could have gone wrong, and in the end we still handled that really well."