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Formula 1 Brazilian GP

Verstappen can’t manage his emotions, says Brawn

Formula 1 sporting boss Ross Brawn says Max Verstappen showed he is not capable of keeping his emotions in check in his post-race confrontation with Esteban Ocon in Brazil.

Glenn Freeman

Edited: Nov 12, 2018, 9:03 PM

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing and Esteban Ocon, Racing Point Force India square up after the race following their on track crash

Verstappen was ordered to carry out two days of “public service” with the FIA as punishment for the incident, where he shoved Ocon as they disputed their collision that cost the Red Bull driver the victory at Interlagos. In his regular post-race media debrief, Brawn said Verstappen’s behaviour could not be justified.

“Max vented his anger in parc ferme, making physical contact with Ocon,” said Brawn.“It was not an edifying sight and though understandable it was of course not justifiable.

“The incident with Ocon was a cruel moment, but in the aftermath Max showed he has made enormous progress in his career [but he] is still not able to manage his emotions in these situations, an essential next step.

“Having said that, one mustn’t forget he is still very young and while his conduct wasn’t justifiable we can all understand the frustration he felt after the incident and again at the end of the race, the outcome of which should not cancel out what was an amazing performance from the Dutchman.

“After all, it’s not every day you drive past two Ferraris and two Mercedes. Over the past 10 years, no-one has won the Brazilian Grand Prix from further back than the second row, but Max came very close on Sunday.

“I’m sure Max will learn from what happened and that everything that happened, including the penalty he was given, will contribute to his development as a driver and mainly as a man.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB14, and Esteban Ocon, Racing Point Force India VJM11, make contact

Photo by: Steve Etherington / LAT Images

‘No reason’ for Ocon aggression

Brawn also offered a view on Ocon’s part in the on-track incident, when the Force India driver robustly tried to unlap himself by battling Verstappen.

“While the Frenchman was entirely justified in trying to unlap himself, given that he was clearly quicker at that moment, it has to be said there was no reason to take on Verstappen as though he was fighting for his first win in Formula 1,” Brawn said.“He deserved the 10-second stop and go penalty he was given in the race.

“I don’t think that Ocon was simply thinking of trying to get in the points.I believe it was more the case that he was caught up in the moment and didn’t think it through.

“Maybe fighting to the death with the race leader might not have been the best plan, even when that driver is one with whom you had some spirited fights in the lower formulae.”

Brawn urged both drivers to learn from what happened on Sunday, also reminding them of the responsibility they have while competing on a global stage.

“Drivers must not forget they are role models for the fans and for youngsters who want to follow in their footsteps,” he added.

“Overall, Sunday was a lesson for both Verstappen and Ocon, one they won’t forget in a hurry. It’s just another part of their learning curve.”

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