Fuming Max Verstappen asks 'is this a trap?' in frosty press conference ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix - after making 'p***ed off' admission
Speaking to the media on Thursday, the world champion took exception to one particular line of questioning around his penalty points tightrope.
With 11 points already on his licence, just one more will see him reach the dozen needed inside a 12-month period to trigger an automatic race ban.
Verstappen was also grilled on his disciplinary headache a fortnight ago in Canada and the red mist descended when he declared he was 'p***ed off' at being constantly asked about it, insisting it was 'childish' to bring it up.
But the issue arose again at the Red Bull Ring when Verstappen was asked whether he would have to change his approach, and he delivered an awkward response.
'You're joking... Is this like a trap? I'm getting this question every single time, every weekend,' he said. 'Sorry, this is the last one. I have nothing to add.'
But he said he had nothing to add on the dilemma a fortnight on from his 'p***ed off' admission
Were he to pick up another penalty point this weekend, the four-time champion of the world would then be banned for the British Grand Prix.
However, should he manage to remain out of trouble, two of his points will expire ahead of the Silverstone showpiece, giving him much-needed breathing space.
Verstappen was hit with three penalty points for his hot-headed move into Mercedes' George Russell at 140mph during the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Only Kevin Magnussen has ever previously been banned.
Russell said: 'That's why you've got the penalty points there – if you keep driving recklessly, you'll get a race ban. You've got that in your own hands and it doesn't go without risk. If he gets his 12 points it wouldn't be unjust.'
Speaking in Austria, Verstappen was also quizzed on the speculation he may choose to walk away from Red Bull and join a rival. He has been linked with both Mercedes and Aston Martin despite being contracted until 2028.
Bluntly waving away the question, he said: 'Oh, I've had that question before as well in my life... You want me to repeat what I said last year?
'I don't even remember what I said last year, really. It's just driving on, trying to push the performance and then we focus on next year.'
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