Max Verstappen reveals what connects him to Michael Schumacher – as world champion sends four-word message to title rival Lando Norris amid allegations of ‘dirty racing’

Max Verstappen has welcomed comparisons with legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna as the Dutchman faces criticism for his aggressive racing style.

Verstappen is closing in on claiming a fourth Formula 1 world title, with the Red Bull star leading the standings from Lando Norris by 47 points with four races remaining.

The Dutchman was given two separate 10-second penalties for a collision with Norris in Mexico, after being pushed off the track as the two rivals went wheel-to-wheel for position.

This had led to criticism of Verstappen’s style, with Norris claiming it was ‘not clean racing’.

Verstappen was asked in an interview with BIL whether it was a compliment to be criticized for his approach, after earning comparisons to Schumacher and Senna.

Verstappen was asked about comparisons with the greats after criticism for aggressive racing

He identified the desire to win as his main point of comparison with Schumacher

The legendary drivers also received similar criticism on their way to winning seven and three world titles respectively.

The Red Bull star welcomed the comparison, citing his desire to win as the main point of comparison with Schumacher.

“I don’t care about compliments, I want to win and I always do everything for it,” said Verstappen.

‘I think that’s what connects me with drivers like Michael.

“He also never left any stone unturned to ensure the greatest possible chance of success.

‘Both in the car with his driving style and outside when it came to developing the car.

‘There is no room for fear, but you must also use common sense.’

While he insisted after the Mexican Grand Prix that he would just ‘keep racing’, Verstappen continued to face criticism following his collision with Norris.

Former world champion Damon Hill had claimed Verstappen used ‘Dick Dastardly’ tactics during the race.

The Dutchman collided with rival Lando Norris during the Mexican Grand Prix and received two 10-second time penalties

Damon Hill compared Verstappen to the iconic Wacky Races character from the 1960s (photo left)

“The images of the area are very clear,” Hill told Sky Sports. “He didn’t make any effort to back off and get the angle and leave room for Lando. It was just a case where you couldn’t get through it.

“The second move was just idiotic and Dick Dastardly stuff. He accelerated to the top and ran Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much of a choice. That was stupid driving.

‘Max lowered himself there. He has such brilliance and such a competitive spirit, but I don’t think that was something to be proud of.

‘It is possible to race fairly, and I’m not sure Max is capable of that. It’s not in his repertoire, it’s not in his philosophy. His philosophy is that you don’t pass it by.’

Dick Dastardly was a character in the 1960s TV series Wacky Races who tried to win races using underhanded tactics.

It wasn’t the first time Verstappen had been criticized, with the driver known for his aggressive approach when it comes to fighting for position.

Hill also accused Verstappen of not playing fair in his bid to retain his world title again

“They say sports don’t build character, they show character,” Hill added. “And his default is to fall back on preventative methods rather than trying to keep this within the bounds of fairness.”

‘You are not allowed to use your car as a weapon and just block the track.’

Verstappen will try to win a fourth consecutive world title during the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend.

Las Vegas, Qatar and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will complete the calendar.