Manager: 'No bodyguards for Max Verstappen at Monza'

Max Verstappen's manager has denied reports that the Dutch teenager might be wise to take precautions ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

After the first-corner clash at Spa, the on-track battles with Kimi Raikkonen and then Sebastian Vettel's post-race comments, Verstappen said that the Ferrari-clad duo should be "ashamed".

"I think he shouldn't tell anyone where he's staying in Monza," Bild newspaper quotes Red Bull team boss Christian Horner as saying.

"There could be a lot of unhappy Italian fans."

Red Bull's other top official, Dr Helmut Marko, said: "I think Max is a red rag to Ferrari. I hope they calm down."

Yet Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen told the same German newspaper: "We don't need to hide.

"We also don't need bodyguards. Max has moved on and we look forward to Monza."

Verstappen's race at Spa last weekend has fired a major controversy, with the F1 paddock split over whether he is reckless or simply good for the sport.