Max Verstappen reveals what connects him to Michael Schumacher – as world champion is slammed for his clash with title rival Lando Norris

Max Verstappen has welcomed comparisons to legendary drivers Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, as the Dutchman faces criticism over his aggressive style of racing.

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

The Dutchman received two separate 10-second penalties for a clash with Norris in Mexico, having forced him off track as the two rivals went wheel-to-wheel for position.

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

Verstappen was asked in an interview with BILD whether it was a compliment to be critcised for his approach, having earned comparisons to Schumacher and Senna.

Max Verstappen welcomed comparisons to F1 greats Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna

Verstappen was asked about comparisons to the greats after criticism for aggressing racing

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

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

The Red Bull star welcomed the comparison and identified his desire to win as being the main point of comparison with Schumacher. 

‘I don’t care about compliments, I want to win, and I always give everything to do that,’ Verstappen said.

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

‘He also never left anything untried to have 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 also have to use your common sense.’

While insisting after the Mexican Grand Prix that he will just ‘keep racing’, Verstappen has continued to face criticism after his clash with Norris.

Former world champion Damon Hill had claimed Verstappen was using ‘Dick Dastardly’ tactics in the race.

The Dutchman clashed with 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 area footage is very clear,’ Hill told Sky Sports. ‘He made no attempt to back off and make the corner and leave room for Lando. It was simply a case of you are not coming through.

‘The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff. He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.

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

‘It is possible to race fairly, and that is something I am not sure Max is capable of. It is not in his repertoire, it is not in his philosophy. His philosophy is you are not coming past.’

Dick Dastardly was a character in a TV series in 1960s TV series Wacky Races, who would try and win races using by underhand tactics.

It wasn’t the first time Verstappen had come under criticism, 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 once again

‘They say that sport doesn’t build character, it shows character,’ Hill added. ‘And his default is to revert to preventative methods rather than trying to keep it within the bounds of fairness.’

‘You shouldn’t be allowed to use your car as a weapon and simply block the track.’

Verstappen will look to close on a fourth consecutive world title at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend.

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