Verstappen critical of Petrov

Former Formula 1 pilot Jos Verstappen has said in his opinion Renault number #2 Vitaly Petrov was the most disappointing of driver of the season and he has criticized the Russian rookie for having far too many accidents.

“I would say Vitaly [Petrov] was both the worst driver and worst newcomer this season," Verstappen wrote in his latest column in Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf.

“In the last race he was very strong and kept Fernando Alonso behind him – as a result of which the Spaniard lost out on the title. But apart from that a lot went wrong.

“He had a lot of problems in several races – banging against the wall or spinning or blowing his starts. You cannot afford that at this level if you drive for such a strong team as Renault.

“The difference between him and his team-mate Robert Kubica was enormous, although the comparison is not entirely fair. Kubica – and [Sebastian] Vettel and [Fernando] Alonso – are in my eyes the best."

Despite Verstappen’s views though, Petrov is expected to be retained by the Enstone-based squad – now re-branded Lotus Renault GP. Petrov finished 13th in the 2010 FIA Formula One Drivers' Championship, having scored 27 points. His best finish was a fifth place in Hungary.