Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen ‘fisticuffs’ expected amid tense F1 rivalry

Lewis Hamilton's 'natural ability is fantastic' says Button

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Former F1 driver Jenson Button reckons Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will talk about the “right manner” of racing in the aftermath of the British Grand Prix controversy, but admits he expects “fisticuffs” between the pair this season.

The rivalry hit boiling point at the British Grand Prix when the two title protagonists collided on the opening lap of the race, with the Dutchman sliding across the gravel at a 180mph corner at Silverstone and hitting the tyre wall hard.

The 23-year-old was transferred to hospital after the crash for further checks, as Hamilton, who was hit with a ten-second penalty for his part in the crash, went on to win the race outright.

It was a blow to Red Bull’s commanding lead in the driver and team standings, with just four points separating Mercedes and the Milton-Keynes-based team in the title battle.

Verstappen meanwhile had his lead sliced to just eight points heading into round 11 in Hungary, as the championship looks to heat up in Budapest.

And the 2009 champion Button thinks the show is only just starting.

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“It’s going to be a feisty one from here on, which is good for us watching but whether it’s good for them – I don’t know!” said Button, speaking to Sky Sports F1. “Emotions are running so high, these are two of the best drivers that have ever driven F1 cars and it is going to be fisticuffs over the next few races.

“We’ve just got to hope it’s done in the right manner. I think after this race hopefully they’ll discuss it, that’s what’s important to me it’s that these drivers understand what happened and they talk about it and they move on, and then they can fight as they should with the gloves off.”

Both Mercedes and Red Bull have blamed the other for the crash at Silverstone, with tensions high between the two camps.

Hamilton admitted after the race he will speak to Verstappen ahead of Hungary, adding he had “no issue” with the Dutchman.

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“There’ll be a lot of tough races coming up and we have to learn to strike a decent balance,” added Hamilton.

“Honestly it’s been such a hard year, one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve loved this battle but an emotional rollercoaster as it always is within a championship.

“I really enjoyed those first four races where it was close as it was [at the British GP].

“Then we saw them take that step ahead and I would say we’ve definitely made some mistakes as a team but just also lost a bit of performance, so to see an upgrade come back and us get back in the fight and be relatively close and to even be able to qualify ahead was really, really amazing and it just felt I was inspired by what the team brought.

“Did I think that we would be back in the title fight? Jeez, I don’t know. I prayed and hoped for it but I thought that it would be a long slog to try and regain any of the points but we’re now closer; he’s still got quite a few points ahead but the race is on.”

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