In a fierce reminder, Lewis Hamilton emphasizes the importance of behaving like a World Champion following a recent clash with Max Verstappen.
- This reminder comes after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Red Bull failed to shine despite new upgrades.
- Verstappen struggled with the race, voicing frustrations about his car and strategy before colliding with Hamilton.
- After the incident, Verstappen’s remarks to critics were colorful, to say the least.
- Hamilton was taken aback by the stewards’ decision, suggesting both drivers could have handled it differently.
The tension between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen escalated at the Hungarian Grand Prix, sparking a debate on sportsmanship. Hamilton, with an impressive track record of seven World Championships, reminded everyone of the significance of carrying oneself as a World Champion. This comment was sparked by Verstappen’s behavior during the race, which drew criticism from fans and experts alike.
Red Bull entered the race weekend with high hopes, unveiling their most significant upgrade of the season. However, the performance did not match expectations. Verstappen managed only a third-place start behind the McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and his race didn’t improve. He was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the car and strategic decisions.
The climax of his frustrations came when Verstappen collided with Hamilton in the closing laps, culminating in a disappointing fifth-place finish. Post-race, Verstappen didn’t hold back his irritation, telling critics to “f**k off” during media interviews. This conduct drew further scrutiny as many debated what true champion behavior should entail.
Hamilton reflected on the incident, expressing his surprise at the lack of penalties for Verstappen. The stewards suggested that Hamilton might have done more to avoid the collision, an assessment he found surprising. While he initially viewed it as a racing incident, he noted that the footage showed a clear distinction in control between the two cars.
Despite the collision, Hamilton and Verstappen did not engage in direct conversation post-race. Hamilton was open to the possibility of discussing it with Verstappen during the upcoming drivers’ parade at Spa. He acknowledged that any further discussion would depend on whether Verstappen felt compelled to address the issue.
The clash in Hungary highlighted the intense rivalry and differing views on what it means to be a World Champion in Formula 1.