May 29 (GMM) Romain Grosjean on Friday hit back at Max Verstappen’s claim he “brake-tested” the rookie Dutchman in Monaco.
It was 17-year-old Verstappen who was penalised by the FIA following his heavy Ste Devote crash, but the Toro Rosso driver nonetheless claimed he was “brake-tested”.
Already denied this week by Lotus chief Alan Permane, Frenchman Grosjean has now also admitted to being “annoyed” by the finger-pointing.
Asked specifically if he “brake-tested” Verstappen, the Lotus driver said: “Of course not, what would that possibly achieve?”
Grosjean said that while it is “easy” to keep a car behind in Monaco, “the difficult bit is for the guy trying to get past”.
He said data even showed he braked 5 metres later than usual on the fateful
lap.
“The FIA are pretty thorough in their investigations and I don’t know which annoyed me more; being hit and knocked out of the points, or having to go through the inquiry afterwards for something that was clearly not my fault,” added Grosjean.
“Ultimately, Max caught himself out by driving too aggressively on the wrong circuit to attempt a move like he did and we both felt the consequences.
“He’ll learn; he’s a very talented driver,” he said.