Mercedes bosses Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda have hit out at Max Verstappen following another race in which the young Dutch driver was at the heart of the action… and the controversy.

While most attention focusses on the late duel with Sebastian Vettel, the Mercedes pair are mainly angry at the first corner incident where Verstappen clashed with championship leader Nico Rosberg and a subsequent incident later in the race.

"I think it’s very refreshing how he drives," said Wolff, "his driving is ruthless and I like that.

"I think the team gave him a radio call when he was catching up that said ‘keep it clean with Nico’ and this is exactly what I would have said to him. You don’t bang wheels with the championship leader three races from the end of the season.

"The team have given him the guidance but maybe in the car when the visor is down it’s different," he sighed.

Three-time world champion Lauda was a little more forthright, the source of his anger the clash at the start.

"Nico clearly was in front and Verstappen rams him off the track," said the Austrian. "This could have cost Nico the championship. This is not acceptable.

"His talent is unbelievable," he admitted, "but then he smashes it all with these stupid actions. A repeat offender like him has to be penalised. Helmut (Marko) should talk to him.

"If Verstappen wouldn't drive that aggressively, he would develop much better," he continued, "he doesn't realise. He thinks he is doing everything right but he doesn't. He has to calm down.

"I don't know where this arrogance comes from. I don't understand. This is a lost cause. The fury of the other drivers just gets bigger and bigger."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Stitch431, 31/10/2016 19:28

"Just a couple of races ago Rosberg banged into Raikkönen and this was totally allright in their eyes. That was much more severe than a bit of wheelbanging. So if that was allright, they should stop moaning about and picking on young Max. They obviously cannot beat the guy on track which is why they play the pshycho card off track. Poor losers. And Max got punished for the same fact Nico did in the first round too but did not get punished for. Talking about same rules and same consequences..."

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2. Posted by Kkiirmki, 31/10/2016 19:12

"So, Rosberg can force Verstappen off the track and get penalised, but Verstappen can force Rosberg off the track and escape any punishment? Can you imagine the outrage if he punts Hamilton off the track and costs him a chance at the title."

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3. Posted by Speedbump, 31/10/2016 18:34

"He "doesn't know where this arrogance comes from".... hah !!! he's Dutch, where do you think it comes from ?"

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4. Posted by testa rossa, 31/10/2016 13:29

"Yawn ...not again please ..ZZZZZZzzz"

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Wolff and Lauda hit out at Verstappen

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