Verstappen disqualified from race after taking 'ugly' revenge on rival driver

17 July 2023 , 07:22

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Max Verstappen shunted one of his rivals into the gravel (Image: iRacing)

Max Verstappen was disqualified from a simulator race for taking out an opponent in anger during the Golden Toast GP.

The race, held at Belgium's iconic Spa circuit, was hosted by iRacing as racers got involved in the three-hour long event. Verstappen, a two-time Formula 1 champion, often takes part in simulator racing in his downtime, but seemingly let his anger get the better of him this time around.

The Red Bull star qualified on pole but midway through the race was involved in a collision at the La Source hairpin with German racer Sven-Ole Haase, which sent the Dutchman tumbling down the order after he'd spun. Once Verstappen had gathered himself though, it seemed as if payback was on his mind.

As the pack moved through Eau Rouge and along the Kemmel Straight the Dutchman had no interest in slowing down and flew through the escape area to leave him behind Haase going into the next braking zone. Verstappen continued at full throttle and hammered his opponent into the gravel.

The commentator saw it coming as he said: “Max Verstappen, I think, is making a statement. It’s going to be ugly, just give it a sec. Just wait, just wait, here we go.”. He also added: “I’m afraid Verstappen has overreacted horrendously to that."

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Verstappen has earned himself a reputation since his early days in F1 as being amongst the most aggressive drivers the sport has seen in years. His on-the-limit style has angered a host of drivers over the years, particularly Lewis Hamilton in their 2021 title battle.

The Dutchman was disqualified after ramming into a rival after an earlier incident (iRacing)

The Dutchman and the Brit were involved in a tussle for the win at Brazil and then again at Saudi Arabia several weeks later with Hamilton saying "this guy is f***ing crazy man" over the team radio as Verstappen took extreme measures to retain the lead.

The Red Bull driver is prone to the occasional radio rant at his own team when things aren't going to plan, but his father Jos believes that anger, which has earned him the "Mad Max" nickname, only serves to enhance his driving style.

Verstappen Snr has said previously: “You could clearly hear the frustration in his voice. And I could also see it in the way he drove. Then he drives a bit more aggressively, he wants more. That style of driving has brought him a lot in the past.”

Samuel Meade