Verstappen Hits Back at Critics: 'I Know What I’m Doing'

Max Verstappen stands firm amid criticism, defending his experience and challenging both his detractors and FIA regulations.

Max Verstappen was, unsurprisingly, questioned today in São Paulo about his penalties in Mexico, his driving style, and the sharp criticism he faced for his two near-collisions with Lando Norris.

The Dutchman responded with blunt, clipped remarks, notably stating, “I know what I’m doing.”

“This is my 10th year in Formula 1. So yes, I think I know what I’m doing,” he said.

Verstappen was then asked if he felt isolated in F1, following calls from several drivers for the FIA to revise race directives, with George Russell claiming that 19 out of 20 drivers supported this stance.

“I don’t feel alone at all. I have good friends and a supportive family, so I’m fine.”

Aggressive driving has been a hallmark of Verstappen’s career, and when asked if that was part of what made him a champion, he replied, “I think it’s just that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

“That’s how racing goes in general. And yes, I like winning. I don’t like losing. I think few people enjoy losing. And yes, we’re simply trying to maximise the result.”

As the press conference went on, Verstappen faced a growing number of questions but remained either terse in his responses or evasive.

He argued that “probably, yes, F1 is over-regulated,” adding, “the regulations are just expanding year by year,” which he believes is “not the right path to follow.”

When asked to respond to Damon Hill’s criticism (read here), in which Hill stated that Verstappen had used his car as a “weapon” in Mexico, the Dutchman began to show a more combative edge.

“I’m a three-time world champion,” he said, reiterating, “I know what I’m doing.”

Furthermore, when questioned on who in his circle advises him on racing approach, Verstappen not only kept his cards close but took the opportunity to criticise the FIA.

The Red Bull driver called out the FIA’s inconsistencies regarding swearing during a drivers’ press conference—highlighting that no penalty was given to Charles Leclerc for the same offense—and accused the organisation of bias. In a word: Max was fed up.

“I rely on objective people close to me who aren’t here to guide… I can’t say the F-word because I’d probably get another penalty… but apparently, that only applies to me anyway, because, you know, after the Mexican race, people, someone (Leclerc) swore, and I didn’t hear of any penalty.”

“It’s best I don’t swear anymore. But, yes, you know, some people are just very irritating, and I know who those people are.”

“I don’t really pay them any mind, and I think I’ve reached this stage in my career with the right people supporting me, people who make their own decisions.”

“Some people are just a bit biased, and I mean, I understand. That’s fine. But it’s not my problem in the end. You know, I just go on with my life and keep performing.”

“I simply trust those around me who are honest with me and have a good heart. You know, they’re well-intentioned and not here just to stir up trouble.”

When asked if, in addition to his father Jos, his stepfather, Nelson Piquet Senior, was among those he sought advice from, Verstappen replied, “We don’t really talk about Formula 1. I don’t think he wants to. I don’t think I want to. We talk about other things in life, which are far more important anyway.”