'Bit rich for Verstappen to accuse another driver of that'

During Saturday's sprint race, Verstappen and Russell made contact, leaving a gap in the Dutchman's sidepod. Verstappen then made it more than clear what he thought of his British colleague's driving style, accusing Russell of taking unnecessary risks.

"It is a bit rich, isn't it, with Max Verstappen saying that a driver is taking some unnecessary risks," Buxton stated in his analysis after the sprint race. "Max has made a career out of putting in gutsy moves, getting his elbows out, getting down and dirty, and running wheel to wheel with people. He has fought drivers hard his entire career, but he does not like being raced hard himself, particularly not when he is fighting for a championship, and I think that really showed today."

"He is thinking about the championship every single time one of these moments happen," Buxton continued. "He complained about Lewis in Australia, he complained here with Russell too. Max is thinking about the championship. He is thinking about every position lost, every potential point lost. He is thinking long game, and that is why he is getting frustrated. Perhaps he is now seeing the other side of the coin, of the way he used to drive with that elbows out mentality, and how other drivers might have judged some of his moves."

'Russell took a bit more risk, but that's racing'

Nine-time Le Mans winner and analyst Tom Kristensen concurs with his colleague's analysis. According to Kristensen, Verstappen has now assumed the role of reigning world champion and is now displaying characteristics that could be seen in Verstappen's then title rival Lewis Hamilton two years ago.

"When he was complaining over the radio, it was a little bit like the champion is being challenged in some way, and of course, he came off worse," said Kristensen. "Yes, Russell definitely took more risks, but then again, that is racing, isn't it? the fine line was maybe just overstepped. But was it worth a penalty? Was it worth looking at? I really doubt it. Two years ago, Max would not have complained about that."