Max Verstappen Tells Off Critics After His Crash with Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen Tells Off Critics After His Crash with Lewis Hamilton
In a dramatic turn of events at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen found himself at the center of controversy following a collision with Lewis Hamilton. The incident, which occurred on lap 63 of the 70-lap race, has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike. Verstappen, known for his fiery temperament, did not hold back in his post-race comments, delivering a blunt message to his critics.
The Incident
The collision between Verstappen and Hamilton happened as the two drivers battled for position. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton on the inside at turn one, but the maneuver resulted in contact, with Verstappen coming off worse and eventually finishing fifth. Hamilton, on the other hand, managed to secure a podium finish in third place.
Verstappen’s Response
In the aftermath of the race, Verstappen was visibly frustrated. During a heated media session, he addressed the criticism directed at him, particularly regarding his aggressive driving style and his comments over team radio. “I see a lot of comments from people who say ‘you are too frustrated, you went too far in your comments, you disrespect the team’”, he said. “They can all f*** off”1.
Team Radio Exchange
Verstappen’s frustration was also evident in his radio exchanges with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. After the collision, Verstappen blamed Hamilton for the incident, but Lambiase rebuked him, calling his behavior “childish”2. This exchange highlighted the tension within the Red Bull team as they navigated a challenging race.
Hamilton’s Perspective
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, accused Verstappen of “always being hostile” and laid the blame for the collision at the Dutch driver’s feet. Hamilton’s comments added fuel to the fire, intensifying the rivalry between the two drivers.
2024 Formula 1 Championship Standings
Driver Standings (Top 10)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 255 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 171 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 150 points
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – 146 points
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 124 points
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing) – 118 points
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 111 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 110 points
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 45 points
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 23 points.
Constructor Standings (Top 5)
- Red Bull Racing – 389 points
- McLaren – 338 points
- Ferrari – 322 points
- Mercedes AMG Motorsport – 241 points
- Aston Martin F1 Team – 69 points.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles, Verstappen remains focused on the championship. Despite the setback, he continues to lead the standings, though his margin has been reduced. The incident at the Hungarian Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense emotions that define Formula 1 racing.
