Pushy Max keeps cool
MAX VERSTAPPEN has defended shoving Esteban Ocon as a “normal response” to being denied victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, 21, was leading on lap 44 in Sao Paulo when backmarker Ocon tried to unlap himself and the pair collided.
The Dutchman spun and lost the lead to Lewis Hamilton, eventually coming second, before pushing Ocon in the chest three times after the race on November 11.
Speaking ahead of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull driver Verstappen said: “It could have been much worse.
“What do you expect me to do? Shake his hand and say, ‘Thank you very much for making me second instead of first’? I think it is quite a normal response.
“We are all emotional and at the time I had lost a victory. Pushing, in any sport, it happens.
“I saw it a few days ago in football again. So from my side, I thought it was quite a calm response.”