Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have had their fair share of on-track battles, but the latest in Hungary ended with some finger-pointing.
- Verstappen accused Hamilton of causing their collision, but the stewards ruled it was just a racing incident.
- Hamilton saw the incident as part of a pattern, hinting at a long-standing tension with Verstappen.
- Despite their clash, Hamilton went on to finish on the podium, marking his 200th career podium finish.
- Hamilton downplayed this milestone, choosing instead to reflect on the journey and camaraderie in his racing career.
Racing under the Hungarian sun, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen found themselves in another heated exchange fighting for a spot on the podium. The high-octane duel took a dramatic turn when Verstappen attempted a bold overtake on Hamilton at Turn 1, only to misjudge his braking. With tires locked up, Verstappen clipped Hamilton’s Mercedes, sending his Red Bull flying momentarily off the ground.
In the aftermath, Verstappen did not hold back in his criticism, blaming Hamilton for what he saw as a reckless move. According to Verstappen, it was Hamilton who had turned into him, sparking yet another controversial incident between the two racing titans. However, the race stewards, after their examination, decided the incident warranted no further action. This verdict aligned with Hamilton’s view, who had dismissed it as nothing more than a racing mishap.
Hamilton remarked during the post-race conference that the run-in didn’t surprise him, hinting at a simmering tension with Verstappen. “I mean, from what I can remember, obviously we passed a backmarker. I got to the braking zone, and then Max appeared, to overtake the car behind me, so I moved over to defend,” said Hamilton. He elaborated, saying he had left enough space but Verstappen’s miscalculation led to the trajectory clash. Hamilton concluded by acknowledging the palpable tension from Verstappen’s side.
Interestingly, the race saw Hamilton secure his 200th podium finish, a significant achievement for any driver. However, Hamilton seemed more reflective about the human aspects of his career. Sharing the stage with young talents like Oscar Piastri and his former team McLaren’s Lando Norris appeared more poignant to him than the milestone itself. In his words, “Honestly, it just makes me think about the whole journey and all the great people I’ve had the chance to work with.”
Hamilton’s reflections were not just about statistics or laurels but the rich tapestry of experiences, relationships, and collaborations that racing has given him. This moment of introspection shows a different side of the fiercely competitive Hamilton, one who cherishes the journey over the destination.
In the ever-competitive world of racing, incidents like these reflect both the intense passion and the personal undercurrents that keep the F1 spirit alive.
