Max Verstappen wrapped up his second F1 title at the last race in Japan (Photo: Getty)
Max Verstappen says that rival teams and drivers are being ‘hypocritical’ after they called for Red Bull to be severely punished for breaking the cost cap.
Last week, just one day after Verstappen sealed his second Formula 1 title in Japan, the FIA announced that Red Bull had committed a ‘minor’ breach of the budget cap in 2021, casting a shadow over the Dutchman’s achievements over the past two seasons.
Though the team continue to deny any wrongdoing, and plan to appeal the FIA’s verdict, the rest of the F1 paddock have been left outraged, with McLaren boss Zak Brown declaring that Red Bull’s actions constituted cheating.
Many of the drivers on the grid have called for harsh and just penalties, not least Sir Lewis Hamilton who was infamously pipped to the title last year.
Ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, Verstappen reiterated his belief that Red Bull had not cheated and appeared vexed with his rivals’ comments.
‘I think it’s mainly because we’re doing well,’ the 25-year-old said when asked how he felt about fellow drivers calling for strict punishments.
‘They try to slow us down in any way possible. At the end of the day that’s how Formula 1 works. Everyone is a bit hypocritical but I’m fine with that. We just have to focus on our job.
Sergio Perez is currently second in the standings (Photo: Getty)
‘Nothing has been confirmed yet but as a team we know what we have to deal with and we are very clear with what we think is correct.’
Verstappen’s remarks were echoed by his teammate Sergio Perez, who will be aiming to help Red Bull wrap up their first constructors’ title since 2013 in Austin.
‘At the end of the day, there are always teams that want to take performance out of you, especially when you are winning,’ the Mexican driver added.
‘It’s part of the sport, and this has been the case forever. I just think it’s a normal situation. At the end of the day, facts will come out and people will see and understand the situation.’
Meanwhile, the FIA have reportedly offered terms of ‘accepted breach agreement’ to Red Bull, in order to deal with cost cap situation as quickly and as hassle free as possible.
While details of this proposal are confidential, it is understood it means that Red Bull will accept their wrongdoing in exchange for a less severe punishment.
MORE : Red Bull still in dock as Lewis Hamilton looks to the future
MORE : McLaren’s Lando Norris reveals he nearly moved to Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Red Bulls’ rivals want the team to be severely penalised.