Max Verstappen opens up on Lewis Hamilton phone call after controversial British GP crash

Hamilton takes stunning win after crash with Max Verstappen

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Max Verstappen has opened up on his collision with Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix and the phone call he received from the F1 world champion in the aftermath. The Dutchman was left in the barriers at Silverstone after Hamilton tried to overtake at Copse on the opening lap.

Verstappen insists the phone conversation wasn’t awkward although the two drivers did disagree on the incident.

The Red Bull star has taken the fight to Hamilton this season and sits eight points clear in the Drivers’ Championship ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.

“As drivers, you have to be able to talk about these things. It wasn’t awkward or anything,” Verstappen said about the phone call.

“But it is what it is. We can’t turn back time.

“I have my opinion and he will have his. You don’t always have to agree because I don’t have to prove my right, nor does he.”

JUST IN: Valtteri Bottas makes decision on F1 future if Mercedes axe him

Hamilton has also opened up on the incident and the phone call with Verstappen after the unfortunate incident.

He explained: “As I said in the last race I really was not aware. I was not made aware; I saw on the screen that he had got out of the car and looked OK and then I was told he was fine.

“So I was not aware until the media conference afterwards that he visited the hospital.

“In terms of the move, I would do it exactly the way… I did it last [time].

DON’T MISS
Toto Wolff to offer Valtteri Bottas help if Mercedes pick Russell
Max Verstappen ‘turned down Mercedes’ leaving Hamilton as only option
Valtteri Bottas has options after ‘opening talks’ with Alfa Romeo

“In terms of how I’ve reviewed it and analysed from all my experience, and my experience obviously with over the years speaks for a lot, I wouldn’t change it.”

The Mercedes driver insists his celebrations were not disrespectful though as he wasn’t aware of the situation with Verstappen being taken to hospital.

“I mean I don’t believe our behaviour was disrespectful but as I said it’s one thing knowing and then celebrating what happened and there’s one thing not knowing and celebrating,” he added.

“As I said, I wasn’t aware.

“But it’s my home Grand Prix. And we worked incredibly hard for god knows how long to get a result like that, and what a monumental moment it was for us to experience the whole home crowd being there for the first time [since 2019].

“It wasn’t like an intentional celebration; it was just the joy of seeing so many people and so many people celebrating, being together, that’s the national emotion.

“I’m not going to hide my emotions. And it was an amazing feeling to see so many people.”

The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place this weekend ahead of the traditional F1 summer break.

Source: Read Full Article