The Formula 1 star - who races for Red Bull - has responded after McLaren team chief executive Zak Brown had a quirky way of addressing his recent aggression on the track.

Verstappen is challenging McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tight F1 title face, with a showdown set for Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Brown told Sky Sports F1: "He is like that guy in the horror movie who you think is down and then suddenly it's, 'Where did he come from?!'

"He is an immense talent, as good as anyone we have ever seen."

Asked about the McLaren's boss' comments, the driver quipped: "He can call me Chucky. Is that short enough for you?

"I don't know. I saw [what he said] as well. I thought it was quite funny."

Chucky is the bloodthirsty doll from the Child's Play film franchise.

Verstappen was also asked if he feels like he's in McLaren's heads after his recent performances.

He said: "From my side, I just focus on myself. I know that when I go in the car, I just try to do the best - like, I guess, everyone does.

"But, yeah, that's the only thing I can control, right? And that's the only thing I focus on."

Meanwhile, his surprise title challenge means he's not feeling too much pressure heading into the weekend.

He said: "I'm a lot more relaxed now. I mean, I know that I'm 12 points down. I go in there with just positive energy.

"I try everything I can. But at the same time, if I don't win it, I still know that I had an amazing season. So, it doesn't really matter. It takes a lot of the pressure off."