Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen complained about Carlos Sainz, whilst on his way to a record-breaking victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Sainz started on pole position alongside Verstappen, much to the delight of the Italian fans in attendance.
The Spaniard made a good start and led from Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in the opening stages of the race; however, the Ferrari driver was never able to build a gap.
Verstappen remained within a second of Sainz for the entire period of time in which he sat behind him, waiting for his moment to strike.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
It was evident that the two-time World Champion was quicker; however, overtaking Sainz proved to be a challenge due to Ferrari’s impressive straight-line speed.
The Dutchman’s first attempt at overtaking Sainz came on Lap 6 as they approached the opening corner.
Verstappen closed right onto the gearbox of Sainz thanks to DRS, before trying to go around the outside of the 29-year-old at the opening corner.
Sainz kept to the racing line which forced Verstappen to pull out of the move at the last second, to avoid a collision.
The Red Bull driver wasn’t particularly happy with Sainz closing the door in the manner of which he did, something he informed his team about.
“That was naughty!” said Verstappen over the radio.
Verstappen eventually found his way past Sainz on Lap 15, after the Spaniard got a poor exit out of the opening chicane.
This allowed the 25-year-old to overtake Sainz around the outside of Curva Grande (Turn 3), to take the lead of the race.
READ: Nico Rosberg reacts as Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton is ‘jealous’
In typical Verstappen fashion, he cleared off into the distance and was rarely seen from then on, as he claimed his 12th victory of the season by six seconds.
As well as being his 12th win of 2023, his victory also marked his 10th in a row, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record for most consecutive victories.
The retired four-time World Champion claimed nine wins in a row back in 2013, with Verstappen having now eclipsed his achievement, in what is simply the latest record that Verstappen has made his own.