Hamilton calls out ‘surprising’ Verstappen behaviour after collision

Lewis Hamilton said Max Verstappen not checking on him was “surprising”.

Hamilton and Verstappen suffered a nasty crash at the Italian GP, with Verstappen’s car sailing over the air and landing on top of Hamilton’s Mercedes after not showing respect and backing off.

The Rettifilio Chicane played host to one of the most monumental crashes of the season, and it could have major implications for the heated title race between the two drivers.

Hamilton revealed after the race that he noticed the Dutchman’s foul mood, and said Verstappen not checking on him was “surprising”.

“I definitely didn’t think that Max would lose control over the kerb and run into me,” he said, as quoted by RaceFans.

Hamilton, Verstappen face post-race investigation after crash
The Italian GP race crash in full display. Source: motorsport.com

“But looking back at the footage, as I said, it obviously happened incredibly quick. In the car all I can think of is getting going and how many positions I’m losing, and I’m still just in race mode. So it’s just like, how can I get going again? And I’m sitting there in a little bit of pain, but just like, come on, let’s go. But unfortunately, the car wouldn’t move.”

“I did see Max get out and just walk by. I felt that a little bit surprising because ultimately, I think when we do have incidents the first thing we want to make sure is the guy that we crashed into, we collide with, is okay.

“But the good thing is I was able to get out, and it was a long walk back. But we live to fight another day.”

Blessed

Hamilton revealed that the right-rear wheel of the Red Bull hit his helmet, and it could have damaged his neck were it not for the car’s halo. He said that he was in pain, and was suffering it on his neck.

“I’m definitely in a little bit of pain in my neck,” Hamilton said. “It’s feeling like it’s getting a little bit worse as the adrenaline rushes is off. But I’ll work with Ange (Angela Cullen) to fix it.

“Honestly, I feel very, very fortunate today. Thank god for the Halo, that ultimately saved me and saved my neck, I think.”

Read more: Wolff and Marko at loggerheads over Hamilton’s incessant radio messages at Zandvoort

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