MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton got into a furious row once again — a week after their Mexican standoff.
This time the Dutchman, 22, claims he was forced off the track by Hamilton in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix.
A cockpit view from Lewis Hamilton’s car showed him overtaking Verstappen, left, during a hot lap ahead of his qualifying lapCredit: Sky Sports F1/Twitter
Hamilton was then overtaken by Verstappen, left, two turns later as the Brit world champion slowed downCredit: Sky Sports F1/Twitter
Hamilton, 34, can win his sixth world title on Sunday if he finishes in the top eight in Texas.
And the pair came to blows on turn 19 as the Brit was trying to overtake Daniil Kvyat but nudged Verstappen to the edge of the track.
He then had to go on to the grass for safety.
As Sky Sports’ Anthony Davidson points out, there is a “gentleman’s agreement” 0ver not overtaking during a hot lap before qualifying laps.
Verstappen raged:”So it’s his f***ing fault this, what’s happening.”
Following qualifying, Verstappen said: “We were all lining up to do our flying laps.
“We were slowing down to make space and Lewis drove through like nobody was there and he didn’t care.
“So I thought if he doesn’t care, I don’t care. Everyone else was respecting each other.”
Hamilton said: “It’s nothing. There is no rule that says you have to stay single file.
“I kept going and he started racing me.”
Hamilton called the Dutchman’s racing in Mexico “silly” last Sunday and claimed he could be “torpedoed.”
‘AGGRESSIVE’
There was tension after a press conference last weekend, when Hamilton was asked if Verstappen was treated any differently to other drivers.
He said: “Yup. I think every driver is slightly different. Some are smarter, some are aggressive, some are silly with it.
“Through that experience of racing with people, you give some more space than others.
Verstappen and Hamilton are expected to renew their rivalry on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lewis Hamilton appears to have been winding up Max Verstappen ahead of the United States Grand PrixCredit: Reuters
“Max, it’s very likely you’re going to come together with Max if you don’t give him extra space, so most of the time you do.
“I didn’t have much extra space to give him extra space.
“I don’t think it’s intentional or anything like that.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
