Max Verstappen has defended his decision to leave the Baku circuit without speaking to the media after retiring with an engine problem during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Sunday’s race marked the Dutchman’s fourth DNF in the last six races with only a fourth and fifth in Russia and Monaco respectively to show in that same period with all of his retirements through no fault of his own.
It also now emerges Verstappen has also completed the least number of laps of any driver to have participated in every race so far this season, even Fernando Alonso, who missed the 78-lap race in Monaco, has managed more.
Commenting on what happened in Baku on Monday, a still clearly frustrated Verstappen told Dutch TV show Peptalk: “This was an engine problem and, unfortunately, not the first time.
“It’s really gutting to drop out again when you’re in such a good position. If you look at how hard the guys work day and night to make the car work perfectly, then they’re really gutted as well when it breaks down.
“On Wednesday I’ll be in the simulator, at least there the engine can’t break down,” he jibed.
That was also the Red Bull driver’s first media reaction after deciding not to talk after the race. A decision that will likely see Verstappen fined with at least a TV interview an obligatory requirement after a Grand Prix.
“I didn’t really feel like [talking] at that moment,” the 19-year-old said explaining his actions.
“I stayed at the track for half an hour to talk about the race and the balance of the car with my engineers and then I left.
“I thought it was the smartest thing to do.”
The only plus for Max was the speed Red Bull showed during the weekend in Azerbaijan at a circuit even team boss Christian Horner predicted would not be good for the Milton Keynes team.
“We were positively surprised in Baku,” Verstappen added. “The car was doing well but then I really want to score points.
“In terms of outright speed the whole year has been quite good, but in terms of scoring points, it really hasn’t.
“[The team] expect me to do my best and I expect everything is perfect from Red Bull and the engine as well. It’s very tough.”