VILIFIED VERSTAPPEN FIGHTS ON

Dutchman won't change his driving style despite criticism ahead of Sao Paulo GP

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SAO PAULO - Three-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen will be a focus of intensified scrutiny this weekend when he seeks to defend his reputation and his lead in the drivers' world championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

After being penalised twice for his wayward driving, notably forcing closest title rival Lando Norris of McLaren off the track in Mexico, Red Bull's series leader arrives at Interlagos with a 47-point lead amid widespread criticism.

In the aftermath of the first two races in a triple-header, the 27-year-old Dutchman has been slammed as "dangerous", told by Norris that he "got what he had coming to him", and been compared by former world champion Damon Hill to Wacky Races' cartoon series villain Dick Dastardly.

His response was to complain about the performance of his car and the inconsistency of race stewards' decisions in what he sees as an overregulated sport that saw a drivers' meeting on Oct 25 call for revised guidelines on overtaking moves.

"I just drive how I think I have to drive," said Verstappen.