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Max Verstappen has welcomed comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, as the Dutchman faces criticism for his aggressive racing style.
Verstappen is closing in on a fourth Formula One world title, with the Purple Bull star leading the standings over Lando Norris by 47 points with four races remaining.
The Dutchman received two separate 10-second penalties for a collision with Norris in Mexico, forcing him to go off the track as the two rivals battled wheel to wheel for position.
This had led to criticism of Verstappen's style, with Norris stating that “it was not a clean race.”
Verstappen was asked in an interview with BILD if it was a compliment to be criticized for his approach, having earned comparisons with Schumacher and Senna.
Max Verstappen appreciated the comparisons with F1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna
Verstappen was asked about comparisons with the greats after criticism for aggressiveness in races
He identified the desire to win as his main point of comparison with Schumacher.
The legendary drivers had also received similar criticism on their way to winning seven and three world titles respectively.
The Purple Bull star welcomed the comparison and identified his desire to win as the main point of comparison with Schumacher.
“I don't care about praise, I want to win and I always do my best to achieve it,” Verstappen said.
'I think that's what connects me with drivers like Michael.
'He also left nothing untested to give himself the best chance of success.
'Both in the car with his driving style and outside when it came time to develop the car.
“There is no room for fear, but we must also use common sense.”
Although he insisted after the Mexican Grand Prix that he would simply “keep racing”, Verstappen continued to face criticism following his clash with Norris.
Former world champion Damon Hill had claimed that Verstappen was using 'Dick Dastardly' tactics in the race.
The Dutchman collided with his rival Lando Norris at the Mexican Grand Prix and received two 10-second penalties.
Damon Hill compared Verstappen to the iconic 1960s Wacky Races character (pictured left)
“The images of the area are very clear,” Hill told Sky Sports. “He made no attempt to go back and take the corner and make space for Lando. It was simply a case of you not being compliant.
'The second movement was just silly and a Dick Dastardly thing. He accelerated to the apex and ran Lando off the track and Lando didn't have much of a choice. It was stupid driving.
'Max plopped down there. He has so much brilliance and so much competitive spirit, but I don't think it's something to be proud of.
“It's possible to run cleanly and that's something I'm not sure Max is capable of doing.” It is not in their repertoire, it is not in their philosophy. Their philosophy is that you won't pass them by.
Dick Dastardly was a character in a 1960s television series, Wacky Races, who attempted to win races using underhanded tactics.
It was not the first time Verstappen was criticized, as the driver was known for his aggressive approach when it came to fighting for position.
Hill also accused Verstappen of not playing fair in his bid to retain his world title merienda again.
“They say sports don't build character, they show it,” Hill added. “And their option is to resort to preventative methods rather than trying to keep it within the bounds of justice.”
“He should not be allowed to use his car as a weapon and simply block the track.”
Verstappen will look to close out his fourth consecutive world title at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend.
Races in Las Vegas, Qatar and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will complete the calendar.