Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen took on Thursday in Abu Dhabi to have pushed Frenchman Esteban Ocon several times at the finish of the Brazilian Grand Prix two weeks ago after their crash on the track.
Asked about possible regrets, the prodigy of Red Bull, condemned to two days of "public service" for his gesture by the FIA, explained: "Not really, because I wanted an apology and I had a quite a different reaction " from the Force India pilot, he said in a press conference.
According to him, his former rival Formula 3, who was weighed when he was alpaded by Verstappen, did not have a respectful attitude in not recognizing his responsibility in their accident.
"My reaction could have been much worse"
"He told me something I did not expect , " Verstappen added unspecifically. On the images, Ocon looked mockingly as Verstappen approached him.
"In the end, it just really pissed me off," he added. Personally, I was really calm: my reaction could have been much worse, " said the fiery son Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver.
The 21-year-old native of Hasselt has the opportunity to finish third in the drivers standings in the final round of the season, which will take place on Sunday at the Yas Marina circuit.
Ocon, present at the same conference, was low profile while recalling that he had tried to overtake the leader, despite his late lap, with the permission of his stand because he was faster and he was not subject to the blue flags at this moment.
"We must go forward, we can not change the past," said the Norman, saying "sorry for Max" .
With the appointment of Poland's Robert Kubica at Williams, Ocon lost his last chances of remaining in F1 next season, although he had expected the outcome for several weeks.
He will give in the offseason his place to the Canadian Lance Stroll, whose billionaire father bought the Force India team in August, and settle for a place of reservist at Mercedes, waiting to rebound.