Max Verstappen has refuted claims by a former Red Bull insider that his €50,000 fine at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix for touching Lewis Hamilton's rear wing was a deliberate tactic. Verstappen stated it "didn't happen that way" and couldn't recall the exact scenario.
Why it matters
This revelation adds another layer to the intense rivalry of the 2021 F1 season, where Verstappen and Hamilton battled fiercely for the championship. It highlights the psychological warfare that extended beyond the track, impacting team strategies and media narratives.
The Claim
Bradley Scanes, Verstappen's former performance coach, asserted on the High Performance podcast that the incident was a calculated move:
- Deliberate action: Scanes claimed Verstappen knew he would incur a €50k fine with "no impact on track."
- Team discussion: He stated the tactic was discussed within the team, aiming to "shift the focus" and "put a little bit of pressure" on Mercedes.
- Impact: Scanes suggested it might have led to Mercedes being unable to run that particular wing in later races, benefiting Red Bull.
Verstappen's Response
Approached at the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked if the incident was intentional mind games:
- Denial: "I can’t really recall that, to be honest. From my side, it didn’t feel like that. So, I can’t really say anything more about it because, for me, it didn’t feel like that or it didn’t happen that way."
The 2021 Context
- Brazilian GP Incident: Verstappen was fined for touching Hamilton's W12 rear wing in parc ferme. Hamilton was later disqualified from qualifying due to an illegal DRS opening.
- Intense Rivalry: The season was marked by on-track clashes and verbal sparring between team principals Christian Horner and Toto Wolff, with momentum swinging between Red Bull and Mercedes.
- Mind Games: Scanes confirmed that mind games were prevalent between both teams, involving drivers and support staff alike.