Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the all-time greats in F1. The Dutch driver had a historic run this year with the most dominant season in the sport’s history. However, the three-time world champion has had a couple of controversial incidents during this career, including his fight with Esteban Ocon at the 2018 Brazilian GP.

Verstappen started the race from P5 at Interlagos. The 26-year-old got off to a good start and swiftly took the lead in the race. Max Verstappen seemed to be in a comfortable position in the Grand Prix and looked set to take the win. Though, things changed quickly for the three-time world champion when Esteban Ocon tried to unlap himself on Lap 44.

Ocon went on the outside of the Red Bull into Turn 1. However, as the two went wheel-to-wheel into Turn 2, the French driver collided with Verstappen. Both drivers spun out and lost crucial time in the Grand Prix. Max Verstappen lost the race lead to Lewis Hamilton and was forced to take the runner-up spot.

Subsequently, the three-time world champion lashed out on the team radio. Verstappen cursed Esteban Ocon for what seemed to be an unintelligent move by the French driver.

I hope I can’t find him now in the paddock because that guy has a fucking problem. What a f**king idiot! Max Verstappen said on the team radio (H&T: GrandPrix247)

Things escalated soon after, Max Verstappen decided to have a chat with Ocon in Parc Ferme. The Dutch driver asked the Frenchman about the incident. However, Verstappen ended up punching the 27-year-old in front of the cameras. The Red Bull driver pushed Esteban Ocon with the two drivers sharing some harsh words amongst themselves.

Max Verstappen was given public service punishment for this clash

Verstappen and Ocon were called by the stewards after this incident. It was concluded that the Red Bull driver had deliberately clashed with the French driver. The three-time world champion was penalized with two days of public service that needed to be completed within six months of the 2018 Brazilian GP.

Esteban Ocon collides with Max Verstappen at the 2018 Brazilian GP (image via The Independent)

Max Verstappen was found to be guilty of un-sportsmanship which could set a bad example for millions of young fans who look upto F1 drivers as their role models. The 26-year-old served the two days of public service in the required time frame. Verstappen served the first day as an observer to stewards at Formula E’s Marrakesh E-Prix.

Max Verstappen was fighting with Esteban Ocon after #BrazilGP! #Formula1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/O5LghuF5Co

— Sofia Siriatou (@sophia_wrc) November 11, 2018

Certainly, Max Verstappen’s penalty was seen as justified by many in the paddock. The three-time world champion’s actions did not impress critics as it was deemed unnecessary. However, the three-time world champion did learn his lesson and has matured as a driver and an individual in recent years.