Verstappen gets snappy over questions on racing tactics in

Crossing the line P4 in Miami after starting from pole, a question about whether he thinks he is ‘predictable or unpredictable’ in battle to rivals did not sit too well with Max Verstappen.

The question was in relation to the start of the Miami Grand Prix, which saw Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris battle for the lead as Norris took to the run-off, triggering Norris to accuse Verstappen of forcing him off, followed by some stern post-race comments from the Brit sent Verstappen’s way. The stewards decided no further action wad required.

Max Verstappen offers blunt reply to Miami GP racing tactics question

Norris fell down to P6 after the Turn 1 encounter with Verstappen, but it proved only a temporary hold-up for McLaren, as Oscar Piastri caught and passed the Red Bull driver, Norris later in the race doing the same, in what swiftly turned into a display of McLaren dominance from there.

A perfectly-timed Virtual Safety Car for Mercedes’ George Russell allowed him to pit and leapfrog Verstappen, who missed out on the Miami podium as he crossed the line 40 seconds behind winner and Championship leader Piastri.

And speaking to Sky F1 after the race, Verstappen was asked how far up the road he believes McLaren are compared to Red Bull after that impressive one-two.

“Well, I don’t know,” he said.

As a follow-up Verstappen was asked whether he believes he is ‘predictable to other drivers, or unpredictable?’ That is where things got a little tense.

“Why, is that a problem?” Verstappen responded firmly.

Clarified by the interviewer that they did not mean that, rather they thought he was trying to defend and do whatever it takes to stay ahead, Verstappen concluded: “Like everyone else.”