Max Verstappen has dismissed recent criticism from F1 steward Johnny Herbert, describing Herbert's remarks about his driving as "extreme accusations."
The comments come amid an intensifying debate on driving standards following Verstappen's penalties in Mexico.
The controversy began when Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver and Max's father, accused Herbert, who served as an FIA steward in Mexico and is back on duty in Brazil, of holding a pro-British bias in decision-making.
Herbert responded in an interview with Formule 1, saying, "Jos is really way off the mark here. I am actually a huge fan of Max. He is one of the best drivers I have ever seen. But then he makes manoeuvres like in turn 7 in Mexico and turn 4 in Brazil (2021), and I think 'Why?' You are so much better than that."
Earlier, Herbert had also questioned Verstappen's approach during the recent clash with Lando Norris, describing it as a "horrible mindset."
In response, 27-year-old Verstappen told De Telegraaf: "These are quite extreme accusations."
Adding to the criticism, 1996 world champion Damon Hill suggested Verstappen may lack the ability to race fairly. Verstappen, however, was unmoved by these remarks, saying, "I don't listen to these individuals. I'm a three-time world champion. I think I know what I'm doing."
When questioned about whether he feels unfairly treated by officials and commentators, Verstappen responded diplomatically, stating, "Honestly, I have my opinions. I don't need to share them."
Verstappen also pointed to what he considers inconsistency in FIA rulings, noting that he was penalized for using the word "f*ck" in a press conference, while Charles Leclerc faced no penalty for similar language after the Mexican GP.
"I mean, apparently it only counts for me anyway, because after the race in Mexico, someone was swearing. I didn't hear anything from it. So it's better I don't swear again," he remarked.
He also expressed frustration with his detractors, adding, "Some people are just being very annoying. And I know who these people are. I don't really pay a lot of attention to them anyway."
The rivalry between Verstappen and Norris appears to have cooled their off-track friendship, with Norris declaring on Thursday that he has "no respect" for Verstappen's driving in Mexico. "Max knows that he behaved wrongly," Norris commented, adding, "It is up to him to change."
Norris confirmed they haven't spoken about the incident, stating it is "not necessary" and adding, "I don't have anything to say to him either."
