Max Verstappen's Blunt Three-Word Response to Lewis Hamilton Penalty Complaint

Max Verstappen delivered a blunt response when asked about the complaints surrounding Lewis Hamilton's penalty at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The Dutchman continued to close the gap in the world championship fight and is now just 36 points behind new title leader Lando Norris.

Verstappen, who started from fifth on the grid, opted to run the slower medium tyres, while those around him began on the softs.

Red Bull's strategy gamble paid off, with Verstappen finishing third, although he was denied a final-lap battle for second place by the late deployment of a virtual safety car.

However, some Formula 1 fans believe Verstappen was lucky to avoid punishment for an earlier incident involving his old rival Lewis Hamilton.

On lap six, the pair went wheel to wheel through the first two corners, making contact at turn one, before Verstappen cut the corner at turn three.

Max Verstappen took to the grass when racing Lewis Hamilton. (Image: Getty)

Hamilton then drew level with Verstappen down the straight, but locked up and cut the corner, re-joining in front of the Dutchman.

The Briton was adjudged to have gained an advantage and was handed a 10-second penalty, which drew some debate.

Verstappen has also failed to make the turn earlier in the same sequence, and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc cut a corner on the opening lap, but Hamilton was the only driver to receive a penalty.

After the race, Verstappen was asked how he managed to avoid a punishment while others were penalised.

He replied: "Not my problem."

Verstappen is chasing a record-equalling fifth successive world title, something which only Michael Schumacher has ever achieved.

Max Verstappen is hunting down leader Lando Norris. (Image: Getty)

Although the Dutchman struggled with his Red Bull car during the first half of the season, he has now finished on the podium in each of the last six races.

With four race weekends remaining, including two sprint races, his world championship hopes remain alive.

After the race, he reflected on Red Bull's decision to start with the medium tyres.

"The beginning was very hectic, but I think also very quickly we realised the medium was not a great tyre," the 28-year-old said.

"It looked like everyone around me on the softs was quite a bit more comfortable.

"We just tried to extend the medium as long as we could and then I think when we went on the soft and everyone else was on the medium, I think it showed that the soft was the better tyre for today."

Verstappen continued: "We had a good final stint, I was enjoying that.

"I think the pace was a little bit more competitive compared to all the cars around me, except McLaren, I would say.

"I personally didn't expect to be on the podium today."