Max Verstappen says he "won't change approach" for the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, saying special treatment for the Mercedes drivers would prevent F1 from crowning a "worthy" champion.
Ahead of this weekend Verstappen was asked by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff not to do anything reckless which could alter the title fight between his drivers, a phone call criticised by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Verstappen's driving style has been in the limelight throughout the season and in Mexico he banged wheels with championship leader Nico Rosberg at Turn 1, though men continued without major damage.
When asked if he would be racing all guns blazing from fourth on the grid in Brazil, he replied: "Same like always, I won't change approach. Which I think is pretty understandable.
"We should race, everyone. Up until the last they should still try to fight for first. Otherwise you are not a worthy world champion, are you?"
Verstappen also played down Wolff's phone call, something the Mercedes boss said has been "blown out of proportion".
"It's not really said like that," Verstappen said. "I think it's all a bit blown up. I think as a driver you always try to do the best possible job.
"It was just a general chat. I don't think I need to say everything because it's also a private call isn't it. It was not like that ... Maybe a little bit [surprising]. But Toto's a nice person so maybe from his side it was just a gesture, I don't know."
He was then asked if he planned to speak to Wolff about the phone call, to which he said: "No, I mean there's no reason to talk to him is there? I mean, I'm racing for Red Bull, not for Mercedes."