Based on what went down during last Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen isn’t too fond of Red Bull’s young star Max Verstappen.
In fact, the Ferrari driver heavily disliked the way in which Verstappen defended his position on the Kemmel Straight at Spa, feeling that the teen’s move to cover the inside line came way later than it should have.
“The problem is when I came with DRS I am 15-20 kph faster than him and once I turn he waits and waits and turns after me,” explained Raikkonen. “The speed difference is quite high so I have to brake and slow down to avoid him. It’s not what should happen at full speed, but for whatever reason the stewards say it is OK.”
The Fin went on to add that “if I would not have braked we would have had a massive accident and I’m sure it will happen sooner or later if this doesn’t change.”
Raikkonen’s teammate Sebastian Vettel chimed in as well, saying that he will talk to the Red Bull driver about his aggressive driving, as reported by Autosport.
“I’m not a a fan of penalizing people, it’s not the way to educate,” said Vettel. “We need to talk to each other, we need to have respect. The best way to educate is to talk rather than create a fuss in the media. We are men and it is best to stand in front of each other and talk to each other.”
Vettel goes on to say that he gets along with Verstappen and that he likes him, however “certain movements, especially under braking – which I faced when I was racing with him – are not correct. It’s probably something that needs to click and he needs to understand.”
So what does the young Max Verstappen think about the two Ferrari drivers criticizing him? Well, let’s just say that he can be equally defensive on the track as well as off it.
“It’s a big lie,” said the young Belgian. “I was defending my position – if someone doesn’t like it that’s their problem. It’s ridiculous,” he goes on to say. “It’s good TV if someone is moaning, but especially after T1 when they [Raikkonen & Vettel] do something like that, I’m not going to give up my position easily.”
Verstappen was of course referring to the incident at Turn 1 where Vettel made contact with Raikkonen, pushing the Fin into Verstappen’s car, forcing the Red Bull driver to pit early.
Whose side are you on?