Max Verstappen hits out at F1 rules

Max Verstappen has criticised Formula One's rules.

The young Dutchman has been the subject of much criticism this season for his driving, which led to a rule change after the Japanese Grand Prix.

"Many drivers had a problem with the way I defended under braking," Verstappen said, referring to his battle with Lewis Hamilton in Japan.

"There was a demand for adjusting the rules," he told a column for his sponsor Exact. "Apparently not everyone likes to be challenged sportingly.

"The problem with this kind of rule is that it complicates the sport," Verstappen continued. "Not just for the viewer, but for the stewards as well."

He also spoke out about the decision to award him a penalty for cutting the first corner in Mexico, even though Lewis Hamilton wasn't punnished for a similar incident.

"Lewis Hamilton cut the first corner and was not penalised, which is fine," said Verstappen. "But when I did exactly the same in my fight with Sebastian Vettel, I lost my third place.

"That is a ridiculous situation," he said, "and it indicates that there are some double standards.

"Rules are obviously needed and I will always respect them," insisted Verstappen, "but it's only fair if they are the same for everyone."