Max Verstappen says those who claim he walked away from his Italian Grand Prix crash with Lewis Hamilton without checking on his rival’s condition are hypocrites.
The pair’s season-long rivalry exploded at Monza, as they collided mid-race at the first chicane, with the Red Bull launched over the top of the Mercedes, ending both driver’s races.
Verstappen’s right rear tyre hit Hamilton’s helmet, with only the halo device preventing serious injury, or worse.
Hamilton was criticised in many quarters, including by triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, for apparently not checking on Hamilton’s wellbeing.
But the Red Bull driver says it was immediately apparent Hamilton was fine, also pointing to Hamilton’s appearance at the Met Gala in New York as confirmation there were no lasting effects.
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“There are a lot of hypocrites in the world, that’s for sure,” said Verstappen.
“I mean, I jumped out of the car and I looked to the left. And he’s of course still trying to reverse, shaking the wheel, trying to get away under my car. So I think he was absolutely fine.
“Also flying on Monday or Tuesday to America to attend a gala, I think you only do that if you feel fine. So I think already there, everything was all under control.”
Verstappen will have to take a three-place grid drop for this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix, after stewards deemed he was predominately to blame for the crash.
“I was a bit surprised to hear the three-place grid penalty myself, but at the end of the day, it’s what they decided,” he said. “I don’t need to agree with it.
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“I have my own views, of course. But we just move on and make the best of it. It is of course, not ideal. But it’s not the end of the world.”
The Monza crash was the second major incident between the pair in five races, after they collided on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, was playing mind-games ahead of the Russian race, suggesting his 23-year-old rival was feeling the pressure.
“I remember what it was like fighting for my first championship, and obviously I’m fighting my 10th battle, something like that,” the British driver said.
“I remember what it was like and I know the pressure that comes with it and the experiences that go with it. So I can empathise with that. I think what’s important is that we just continue to race hard but fair.”
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Verstappen, for his part, wasn’t biting.
“I’m so nervous I can barely sleep. It’s so horrible to fight for a title, I really hate it,” he said sarcastically.
“Those comments, it just shows you that he doesn’t really know me, which is fine. I also don’t need to know him, how he is fully, but I just focus on myself and I really enjoy it out there in front.”
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