Lewis Hamilton responds to near collision with Max Verstappen at British GP

Lewis Hamilton has denied suggestions he was racing Max Verstappen as the former title rivals almost collided at the British Grand Prix. The seven-time champion was weaving his tyres towards the end of Q1 as temperatures dropped in the mixed conditions.

However, Verstappen decided to slide past his ex-rival to get a lap in ahead of the Mercedes star. The move could have proved costly with Hamilton almost striking the side of the Red Bull with Verstappen forced to take evasive action.

The Dutchman eventually dived up the inside at Brooklands with Hamilton backing off to make room for his final run. But, Hamilton rebuked suggestions he was battling with the double world champion after qualifying.

When asked about the incident by Express Sport, Hamilton said: “I wasn’t racing anybody.” Both drivers were desperate to make it to the line as conditions worsened in the dying stages.

Time was also limited after a stricken Kebin Magnussen brought out a red flag with just three minutes remaining. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft appeared stunned as the duo battled down the Wellington Straight.

He said: “This was the stampede through the loop and onto Aintree on that lap to the line to start your final flying lap. This is Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton racing like it was 2021 all over again.”

Martin Brundle added: “Yeah they were looking for track position and they were nervous about how many seconds were left.” Mercedes failed to jump McLaren and Ferrari on Saturday despite bringing a new front wing upgrade for this weekend.

Meanwhile, Hamilton was only seventh quickest with team-mate George Russell just ahead in P6 for tomorrow’s Grand Prix. Mercedes struggled for pace on Friday with test driver Mick Schumacher staying until the early hours working in the simulator.

However, Hamilton was not confident they could turn things around in time for the Grand Prix. When asked if he felt Mercedes had a stronger race pace than McLaren for Sunday, Hamilton replied: “I think they had the edge on us in the last race so I anticipate tomorrow will be the same

“Where I was is the best I could do. Of course, I will try and be optimistic and do our best but realistically I’m not sure, we will find out.”