Max Verstappen expressed visible annoyance, stating that the “childish” focus on his penalty points situation was “already pissing [him] off.”
Verstappen, who is just one penalty point away from receiving a one-race ban, qualified second behind George Russell at the Canadian Grand Prix. Their qualification battle came two weeks after they collided in Spain.
Russell seemed to relish the moment and immediately made a jab during post-qualifying interviews.
When questioned about racing Verstappen aggressively on Sunday, Russell smiled broadly and commented, “I`ve got a few more points on my license to play with. Let`s see.”
During the subsequent news conference, as the topic arose, Verstappen muttered something under his breath and shook his head while Russell spoke.
When asked about it directly, Verstappen responded, “I don`t need to hear it again. It`s really pissing me off.”
Russell, sitting beside him, laughed at his reaction.
Verstappen added, “I mean, you [all] are speaking about it on Thursday. It`s such a waste of time. It`s very childish. So that`s why I also don`t want to say too much, because it`s really annoying this world that we live in.”
The FIA confirmed that the phrase “pissing me off” would not result in any further action under the rules regarding profanity in news conferences.
Later, when asked if the situation added unusual pressure to the start of the race, Verstappen raised his hands, gave a sarcastic thumbs-up, and replied, “Yep, I feel good.”
Verstappen faces a delicate situation concerning his license points over the next two races.
Formula 1`s penalty point system operates on a rolling 12-month period.
Two of Verstappen`s points are due to expire on June 30th. This means that even a minor penalty this weekend or at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix could lead to him being sidelined for the subsequent race.
