Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris were in the spotlight during the Mexico GP on Sunday. — Reuters

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen will face heightened scrutiny this weekend as he attempts to defend both his reputation and his lead in the drivers' world championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Following two penalties for aggressive driving, including forcing title rival Lando Norris off the track in Mexico, Red Bull's championship leader arrives at Interlagos with a 47-point advantage but with widespread criticism echoing in his ears.

After the first two races in a triple-header, the 27-year-old Dutchman has been labeled 'dangerous' and told by Norris that he 'got what he had coming to him'. Former world champion Damon Hill compared Verstappen to the villainous Dick Dastardly from the Wacky Races cartoon series. Verstappen's response was to complain about his car's performance and the inconsistency of race stewards' decisions, which he views as an over-regulated sport. A drivers' meeting last Friday called for revised guidelines on overtaking moves.

'I just drive how I think I have to drive,' said Verstappen. 'Last week, it was all right, this week a 20-seconds penalty. I'm not going to cry about it and I'm also not going to share my opinion. The biggest problem I have is that it was a bad day in terms of race pace.' His attitude towards the widespread outcry over his late braking tactics, which often result in running off track and taking rivals with him, has not won him many friends ahead of one of the most intense and atmospheric events.

According to Mercedes' George Russell, 19 out of 20 drivers favor a regulation change to end this tactic, which Hill, the 1996 champion, described as enabling Verstappen to use his car as a weapon. Hill stated on a Sky Sports podcast, 'The footage is very clear. He made no attempt to back off and make the corner and leave room for Lando. It was simply a case of 'you are not coming through'.'

Verstappen, twice a winner in Brazil, will be seeking his first win in 11 Grands Prix, dating back to Spain in June, marking his worst run in four years. Red Bull's Max Verstappen speaks to the press after the Mexico GP. — Reuters

According to his father Jos Verstappen, it is unlikely his son will change his driving style. 'Max has to drive the way he wants,' the former F1 driver told De Telegraaf. 'He has to do this because the car is not good enough and he is doing everything he can to win the title.' He also questioned the FIA's choice of stewards, suggesting potential conflicts of interest.

The controversy over Verstappen's driving has also drawn comments from British commentator Martin Brundle, who said, 'He's a multiple champion, has more driving talent in his little finger than most of us ever had, but his legacy will be tainted by this sporting attitude and that's a shame.' These tensions are expected to resurface as Verstappen, likely facing a five-place grid penalty for an engine change, aims to improve on his sixth place in Mexico where Norris finished second behind Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.

After two successive wins, Ferrari is in pursuit of their first constructors' title since 2008, having closed within 30 points of overtaking McLaren. Meanwhile, defending champions Red Bull, with Sergio Perez racing to save his seat, have slipped back to third. Ferrari, having won in Mexico for the first time since 1990, seeks their first Brazilian success since Felipe Massa's emotional triumph in 2008 to complete a memorable hat-trick.

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