Max Verstappen says he wants to stay 'neutral' in reaction to those comparing his headline-grabbing performance in the Brazilian Grand Prix to the gre𝓰at Ayrton Senna.

The Dutchman starred in treacherous conditions at Interlagos, scything from 14th to third in just 12 laps during the closing st🧔ages, an effort that drew adulation across the F1 paddock and prompted comparisons to Senna's renowned prowess in the wet by Red Bull Racing boss Christian Hor🍬ner.

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However, while Verstappen says he appreciates the lof🌳ty praise, he says he wants t🌠o remain 'neutral' and not allow himself to be overawed by the hype.

"It's nice for sure but it's also very important to stay neutral about it," he said. "That was𒁏 a great race, but it's finished now and I'm focusing ahead. The day after I was still very happy with the performance, that's for sure. It was, like I said, very difficult and at the end I was also just very happy to finish the race. The last sector was very difficult to drive, so on the last lap I was very happy that was the last lap of the race."

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Coming into this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale with a shot at snatching fourth place off Sebastian Vettel, though Verstappen admits there would be some satisfaction in beating the Ferrari driver following their infamous run-ins thiꦇs year, he says the fact he started the 🅠season with Toro Rosso means he would be thrilled with a top five regardless.