Max Verstappen brushes off criticism from F1 rivals after crash

The Dutchman was given a five-place grid penalty the Canadian Grand Prix after crashing heavily after making contact with Grosjean at Ste Devote in the closing stages of the race.

He was criticised for causing the accident, with Williams driver Massa describing his driving as dangerous, and Grosjean denying claims he brake-tested the teenager.

When those criticisms were put to Verstappen at last weekend's Spa World Series by Renault event, he said: "What I've learned is that it shouldn't happen again.

"These things happen, they are part of racing, but now it's time to move on and focus on the race ahead in Canada.

"I've seen it a few times now. It was a hard crash, certainly my biggest so far. I'm happy that I didn't get hurt."

When asked directly if he had brake-tested Verstappen in Monaco, Grosjean said: "Of course not, what would that possibly achieve?

"I didn't brake early or lift off the throttle earlier on the lap which Verstappen hit me, in fact the data showed I braked five metres later than the lap before.

"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.

"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."

Additional reporting by Mattijs Diepraam