Verstappen's driving "on the edge", says Horner

Verstappen found himself in the firing line from Ferrari duo Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel after some aggressive defending at Spa-Francorchamps.

But with the FIA having not investigated what Verstappen did, Horner sees no reason for his man to be criticised.

However, he has suggested that the Dutch youngster may change his approach in the future in light of the controversy he has caused.

Asked by Motorsport.com about comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that Verstappen was 'refreshing but dangerous', Horner said: "I am surprised that Toto is commenting on something that had nothing to do with him.

"But look, I think it was firm. It was on the edge. He got away with it, and the stewards were happy with it.

"If there had been an issue, or it contravened any rules, [driver steward] Danny Sullivan is a pretty experienced guy and he would have called them up, or Charlie Whiting would have reported it to the stewards. There was no action from the stewards.

"I think when he [Verstappen] looks back it, it was on the edge and obviously he got away with it. But I am sure he will have a look at it for future races."

Horner said that he spoke to Verstappen after the race to discuss what happened, but did not give many details about how their conversation went.

"I told him not to tell anyone where he is staying in Monza because there might be a few angry fans!" he joked ahead of Ferrari's home race in Italy.

"If there was a major issue with it, the stewards have called him up. We've seen that before.

"It was on the limit. He will learn from it. He is young, he is quick – and all the seriously ambitious and gifted drivers have that streak with them.

"I remember Sebastian getting criticised a few years ago, and there have been a few other drivers that have shown that fighting spirit.

"I think part of that fighting spirit is why there has been such a big crowd [at Spa] this weekend."