I suppose it can be beneficial to have a reputation for being unyielding as well. Verstappen redefined the boundaries of what is permitted in F1, and Hamilton before him. Senna is famous for his “back out or crash” quote.

At a certain point, the people you’re racing will know how far you’re willing to go and you’ll force them to take evasive action. At that point it doesn’t really come across as boneheaded driving anymore.