Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen says he regrets nothing about shoving rival Esteban Ocon after Sunday's Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
For punishment, Verstappen will do two days of FIA community service for the altercation, but he insists he has no regrets. After all, Verstappen is convinced that Ocon cost him a race win. Verstappen was leading in Brazil before a lapped Ocon took him out.
"No. I'm just annoyed about not winning," the Red Bull driver said.
Verstappen says it was Ocon's reaction to the incident that prompted his anger.
"I wanted to know what was happening with him, and he just did a big grin and said, 'I was faster than you.' He didn't say he apologized and, in fact, reacted the opposite way," said Verstappen. "I wanted to be positive for my mechanics, but then you see someone like that who does not even say sorry for what happened. You do not expect to be hit by a laggard. I'm glad my dad wasn't there," said Verstappen, whose father, Jos, was famous for losing his temper on the raced track a time or two.
Verstappen and Ocon were long rivals in junior series before their promotion to F1.
When asked about that, Verstappen answered: "He is not a competitor of mine in Formula 1. I focus on myself and the people I have to beat."
Some have suggested that Verstappen might benefit from the help of a psychologist, but Verstappen insisted: "If they come to me with a psychologist, I'll kick them out right away. You have to stand firmly in your own shoes. I don't need anyone. My father is a bit like a psychologist anyway."
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