Verstappen angry with penalty: "I gave Bottas enough space!"

Max Verstappen was involved in another moment of controversy, as the Dutchman was penalized five seconds for pushing Valtteri Bottas off the track - but Verstappen disagrees with the decision.

The Red Bull driver was headed towards a podium-finish - he was hanging on to third, at least - when Valtteri Bottas attacked from the outside, heading towards the first chicane. Verstappen closed the door on the Finn, colliding with him in the process. An investigation was started, and Verstappen was punished by five seconds, meaning he had to give up two places to Bottas and Sebastian Vettel in the end. 

"I clearly gave him enough space," he told Ziggo Sport.

"He then drives into my wheel, but that's not my fault.

"Still I got punished, even though the rule is to keep a car's width as space.

"I gave him that space, so when I got penalized, I certainly wasn't going to let him past.

"At least I'm third on the circuit now, even though the car wasn't good enough.

"If I would've let Bottas past I also would've gotten fifth, so that doesn't matter eventually.

"Now, I'm focussed on Singapore, where hopefully, we'll be quick enough to compete for the win."