Verstappen gaining many enemies, career in jeopardy?

Max Verstappen looking over his shoulder

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda has warned that Max Verstappen's Formula One career could be in danger following the Dutch drivers defense tactics against Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel at the Mexican Grand Prix.

The Dutch driver has faced criticism earlier this season, following his defensive moves under-braking, which is now illegal – however Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix saw a brand new controversy build up against Max Verstappen, which simply was exceeding track limits and gaining an "unfair" advantage.

Towards the latter stages of the race, on new tires, Vettel and Ricciardo were both relentlessly closing on Verstappen for the final place on the podium. As Vettel closed in on the Verstappen, he locked his brakes going into the first corner, cut across the grass, and maintained his third place over Vettel. As a result, the Red Bull driver was awarded with a 5-second post race penalty.

Verstappen's team bosses, including Helmut Marko, defended the Dutch drivers case, claiming Hamilton also did the same on Lap 1, and maintained the lead, thus didn't see why a penalty was needed for Max Verstappen.

"We support him. The decision is not understandable. They use different standards and this is not okay." Helmut Marko said, as he complained about inconsistencies in the penalties.

However other teams didn't have the same view on Max Verstappen's on-track tactics during the Mexican Grand Prix. F1 legend Niki Lauda is one of the many to slam the young Dutchman, labeling Verstappen's techniques as "stupid."

"It was a just and right decision (Verstappen's penalty during his battle with Vettel)," Niki Lauda said.

"A repeated offender like him has to be penalized. Helmut [Marko, Red Bull's driver advisor] should talk to him.

"If Verstappen wouldn't drive that aggressively, he would develop much better. His talent is unbelievable but then he smashes it all with these stupid actions.

"He doesn't realize. He thinks he is doing everything right but he doesn't. He has to calm down."

Verstappen's conflict with Vettel wasn't the only high-profile moment of the teenagers race, on Lap 1 Verstappen and championship leader Nico Rosberg also had a coming together, wherein Rosberg took evasive action, and safely continued on in second place. Niki Lauda, who wasn't happy with Rosberg's defense techniques, has labeled Verstappen's coming-together with the championship leader as "not acceptable."

"Nico clearly was in front and Verstappen rams him off the track," said Lauda.

"This could have cost Nico the championship. This is not acceptable.

"It's Verstappen's fault. He drives too aggressively. At some point he has to realize it."