Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he stands by his comments after colliding with Max Verstappen during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix but admits some things are said in the heat of the moment. The two title protagonists came to blows again during the race as Hamilton accused Verstappen of “brake testing” him after being ordered by the FIA to hand the lead back to the Briton.
The pair collided on lap 37 after Verstappen had been instructed to hand the lead back to Hamilton after race director Michael Masi warned he could be penalised for gaining an advantage by going off the track.
Verstappen then slowed to allow the Briton past, but a seemingly unaware Hamilton was left baffled after the Dutchman braked suddenly, before accelerating into the corner after the pair touched wheels.
Hamilton was heard saying “this guy is f****** crazy man,” as soon after Verstappen did hand the lead back, before immediately overtaking again and picking up a five-second time penalty.
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Lewis Hamilton responds to controversial Max Verstappen crash
Hamilton eventually won the race, with both drivers being summoned to the stewards for the incident as Verstappen crossed the line in second.
When asked afterwards his thoughts on the incident, and his comments aimed at his main title rival, Hamilton said: “I definitely feel that there were scenarios where that was the case.
“This is not the first time that I’ve had to avoid collision and yeah, that’s how I felt at the moment.
“But you know, sometimes you say things in the heat of the moment and you go back and re-watch things and then you maybe feel differently but in the moment that’s how it felt.”
More to follow.
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