Verstappen: I'm here to win, not like Renault

The Red Bull-Renault war of words has erupted yet again at the Russian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen lashing out at Cyril Abiteboul in response to criticism from the Frenchman. Abiteboul rejected Verstappen's claim that Renault's latest power unit would not work in Brazil and Mexico, but the Red Bull driver will not let the matter lie.

Verstappen had suggested that Renault's 'C-spec' engine could not function at the high altitudes in Mexico and Brazil, prompting Red Bull to revert to the 'B-spec' in Russia, where he and Daniel Ricciardo will take engine penalties.

Abiteboul said that Verstappen should "focus on his car" but the Dutchman has bitten back, taunting the Renault chief over a lack of success.

Verstappen told Ziggo Sport: "If he would concentrate a little bit more on his own team instead of moaning about me all the time, they would already be world champions.

"I don't understand these things. He just has to concentrate on himself. I always concentrate on myself when I'm in the car.

"I don't think that's the issue, but we'll see.

"That man is just frustrated. I'm just very honest. I just explained clearly why we have to revert back to the B [spec].

"That turbo won't last in Mexico and Brazil. If we would race with that then we would not make it to the finish for sure.

"So, it's not that I'm lying. I just think that he can't take it very well, that I am too realistic and too straightforward.

"I demand a lot from the equipment, but I'm here to win. I'm not here to become seventh like they are doing."

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