Some old F1 pilots see Verstappen as 'tough' but 'not dirty'
Dec.9 - Max Verstappen is a "tough" Formula 1 driver, according to German motor racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck.
But 70-year-old Stuck, who raced in F1 throughout the 70s, hit out at widespread reporting ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi showdown suggesting Verstappen is also "dirty".
"That is nonsense," he told f1-insider.com when told about those predicting that the 24-year-old Red Bull may instigate a title-winning crash with Lewis Hamilton.
"Max is guaranteed not to drive dirty. What can be said is that there were a couple of manoeuvres this year, like Mexico for example, but also in Saudi Arabia.
"But I think that makes him a very special driver - an exceptional driver. It may seem dirty, but it isn't. It's great driving, tough driving.
"He pushes the boundaries," said Stuck.
When asked specifically about Verstappen's penalty for the 'brake test' in Saudi Arabia, he continued: "We don't really know what was going on there.
"Yes, he braked hard, but why hadn't Hamilton already driven past, as one would normally expect?
"The outcome was ok anyway, because it did not intervene in the world championship fight."
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is also defending the Red Bull driver ahead of the 2021 finale, declaring that some of the recent shenanigans can actually be described as anti-Verstappen "bullying".
"Max is a kid compared to Lewis and the worst thing is Lewis has a massive publicity campaign working for him," Ecclestone told Agence-France Presse.
"Max has more than a race to confront as he has them on his back. They are bullying him and not playing fair. It's psychological game-playing.
"Max has had a few years of racing but has not had years in the streets like Lewis," the 91-year-old added.
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve agrees that Verstappen is not the only driver trying everything to be 2021 champion.
"It's just that when Lewis does it, he does it in such a way that there is always doubt as to whether it was on purpose," he said.
"He's the master at it."
Stuck, meanwhile, admits that he would like to see Verstappen crowned world champion late on Sunday.
"I will admit that I have both fingers crossed for Max and Red Bull. I just like Max," said the German.
"He isn't intimidated and he's a good guy. You also have to pay tribute to Red Bull for achieving such success as a non-manufacturer team.
"My other hope is that Mr (Jean) Todt tells both of them that they should drive a decent race in Abu Dhabi."
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What a load of BS from a bunch of has-beens. Stuck another dirty german like his countryman the dirtiest driver of all time, the biggest cheat of all time schumacher to say max is not dirty, he is an absolute filthy dirty driver. Swerving, blocking and now brake testing. Grow up gentlemen and open your eyes to see what is going on, only one of you have won a championship and that one driver only won 1 championship. Remember Jacques you were on the receiving end of the biggest cheat to take you out of the running of the championship in 1997. Let's call a spade a spade because max is dirty and if he tries anything this weekend, he should be banned from F1 forever.
There's a reason its called bashcar......
Yeah, one good thing about BASHCAR (maybe the only) is that the boys admit it when they purposely take each other out. It's a badge of honor and revered by the fans. Most popular driver in recent history was called 'The Intimidator'.
Shrop, do you ever get tired of the driving, and of all those blind MV bashers?
Lately, I sometimes find myself getting tired. You know what I mean? Very tired…. (!)
bernie has a lot of hatters, but he often makes a lot of sense. at his age it's impressive. with jv, it's hit and miss, but a hit here. people who can't see lewuss is a disingenuous twat are fools.
Mad hatters??
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