Verstappen issues scathing Renault response

Max Verstappen’s war of words with Renault continued in Russia with the Red Bull driver responding to Cyril Abiteboul’s comments.

The latest argument started back in Singapore with Verstappen massively frustrated with Renault’s C-spec engine.

Abiteboul responded in an FIA press conference on Friday dismissing Verstappen’s complaints, saying: “We have a very demanding user in the person of Max. Not very quiet, also. I think he should focus on the car.”

Asked by Ziggo Sport for his thoughts on Abiteboul’s comments, Verstappen had a pretty scathing reply.

“If he would concentrate a little bit more on his own team instead of moaning about me all the time, they would already be world champions,” Verstappen said.

“I don’t understand these things. He just has to concentrate on himself. I always concentrate on myself when I’m in the car.

“I don’t think that’s the issue, but we’ll see.

“That man is just frustrated. I’m just very honest. I just explained clearly why we have to revert back to the B [spec].

“That turbo won’t last in Mexico and Brazil. If we would race with that then we would not make it to the finish for sure.

“So, it’s not that I’m lying. I just think that he can’t take it very well, that I am too realistic and too straightforward.

“I demand a lot from the equipment, but I’m here to win. I’m not here to become seventh like they are doing.”

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