Verstappen jokes: 'All the dinners and wine clearly didn't help'

Max Verstappen has come under heavy fire from the British press ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. He is being asked questions about his driving style and it is suggested that he is willing to drive himself and Lewis Hamilton out of the race to win the title. The Red Bull Racing driver remains calm in the face of the controversy.

The discussion was further fuelled by a message from Michael Masi, who stated on behalf of the FIA that causing a crash could result in a deduction of points. Some media used that message to put Verstappen in a bad light, even before the weekend has officially begun.

Verstappen not so worried

The Sky Sports reporters can't seem to get the idea out of their heads either. Ted Kravitz wonders if Verstappen hasn't caused himself all this controversy by his aggressive driving style. Does that driving style backfire for the Dutchman?

"Clearly," is the answer from Verstappen, who doesn't want to get too deep into it. "I don't know why I get a penalty while others do the same thing and don't get one. I paid them [the FIA] a nice fine for dinners and wine, but it clearly doesn't help," jokes the championship leader.