Verstappen hits back at Vettel after German turns airwaves blue following late battle in Mexican GP; "He needs to go back to school," claims Red Bull driver before Vettel loses third place
Thursday 3 November 2016 08:35, UK
Max Verstappen has given short shrift to Sebastian Vettel's 'radio meltdown' during the Mexican GP, describing the Ferrari driver as a "very frustrated guy".
Enraged at Verstappen's refusal to give up track position after the Red Bull ran off track, a furious Vettel turned the airwaves blue as he vented his anger towards Verstappen.
When the paired crossed the line, Vettel drew up alongside Verstappen to wag his finger at the teenager before the stewards imposed a five-second penalty against the Dutchman. That decision promoted Vettel to third only for the German to then be demoted to fifth several hours later by the stewards for blocking Daniel Ricciardo.
"I think he needs to go back to school," Verstappen told Sky F1. "It's just ridiculous. I will speak to him. He is always frustrated. He is just a very frustrated guy."
Vettel demoted to fifth by Mexican GP stewards
Questioning the fairness of the penalty meted out against him, Verstappen added: "Lewis [Hamilton] gained a massive advantage [at the start] and Nico went off and gained an advantage.
"I didn't gain an advantage. When I came back on track I was the same length in front so I think it's ridiculous."
The Red Bull driver also echoed the sentiments of Ricciardo, his Red Bull team-mate, in arguing Vettel deserved a penalty.
The stewards later agreed with the Red Bull drivers' assessment, handing down a 10-second penalty against Vettel and demoting him back behind Verstappen while promoting the Australian to third.
"It's ridiculous what he did," said Verstappen. "Daniel was alongside him and he just turned into him."
The 19-year-old later tweeted: "A great race with a ridiculous end. I fully accept that there are rules, but they should apply the same for everybody."
Meanwhile, before facing the stewards' investigation into his clash with Ricciardo, Vettel said of Verstappen: "I like him in general but some of the moves on track need to calm down."
