Tyson Fury has defended Max Verstappen ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP showdown with Lewis Hamilton.
After the Brit’s win in the chaotic race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the pair are level on points heading into the final race of the season.
The drivers have been neck and neck all season and their sheer desire and will to win has seen them collide on multiple occasions.
But the enthralling season will reach its climax on Sunday and The Gypsy King shared his thoughts on the rivalry on Instagram.
He also called for the Dutchman to be given “a break” after claiming he has been labelled a ‘bad boy’ following his actions and subsequent penalties at the weekend.
In a clip posted on Instagram, Fury said: “I’ve just been reading up about the F1 rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and how Max is being made out to be a bit of a bad boy.
“It’s not nice, especially when you are young and ambitious and want to win.
“Give him a bit of a break - he’s only a young lad trying his best.
“Good luck to both men in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
The WBC heavyweight champion drew comparisons between their rivalry with James Hunt and the late Niki Lauda in the 70s, as they battled for the F1 crown throughout the decade.
He added: “This rivalry reminds me a bit of James Hunt and Niki Lauda racing for the title.
“Who is going to win it boys? Come on the boys!”
There was plenty of controversy in Jeddah as the two title rivals battled for victory.
Verstappen was told to allow Hamilton past after an illegal manoeuvre to take the lead - but the pair collided as the Red Bull slowed down on turn 27.
Both drivers appeared perplexed by the incident and were outspoken after the race, while Verstappen was given a five-second in-race penalty.
Hamilton raced clear to take the chequered flag, and after a further investigation by stewards Verstappen’s penalty was increased to ten seconds, but that didn’t affect his second-place finish.
Speaking after the race, a furious Hamilton accused Verstappen of driving “over the limit”.
But Verstappen was adamant he was not at fault and showed his displeasure by storming off the podium.
