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      Max Verstappen groans in pain and shouts ‘argh, f***!’ on Red Bull team radio after F1 star’s crash with Lewis Hamilton

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN cried out ‘argh f***!’ to his team radio after a huge crash during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.The first-lap incident with Lewis Hamilton, which led to the 23-year-old being taken to hospital, has sparked a huge row in Formula One.
      Max Verstappen hit the wall after a 180mph collision at Silverstone
      The driver can be heard in pain as he spoke to Red Bull mechanics
      Hamilton started behind his championship rival in Sunday’s race and the pair engaged in a titanic battle for the lead.
      Heading into the 180mph Copse Corner, the Brit launched down the inside to attempt an overtake but Verstappen took the racing line across him.
      The pair made contact, sending the Dutchman across the gravel and into the tyre wall at high speed.
      The impact measured 51G in terms of G-force, leading to the driver being taken to hospital for checks.
      Team radio from the crash shows the Red Bull garage instantly checking in on Verstappen to ensure he is safe.
      They asked: “Max, are you okay?”
      After a few seconds, Verstappen replied: “Argh… f***!”
      The championship leader gingerly exited his car with the help of marshals before thankfully being able to walk away from the wreckage.
      After being taken to the Silverstone medical centre, he was sent to nearby Coventry hospital for checks and discharged on Sunday night with the all-clear.
      Verstappen posted a selfie with himself and dad Jos to thank fans for their support.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior.Max Verstappen
      He wrote on Twitter: “Cleared from the hospital after all the checks were ok. Thank you to everyone for all the nice messages and best wishes.”
      Fans are divided over who was at fault for the crash with Hamilton handed a ten-second time penalty before going on to win the Grand Prix.
      Verstappen had branded the Brit ‘disrespectful’ for celebrating the victory in front of the Silverstone crowd amid his hospital visit.
      He posted online: “Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this.
      “The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track. Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior but we move on.”
      Hamilton, 36, refused to apologise for the incident post-race but sent his best wishes to Verstappen.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info

      The reigning champion, who suffered racial abuse online in the crash’s aftermath, wrote: “Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport.
      “I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok. I will always race hard but always fairly.
      “My team showed grit and perseverance out there. It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd.”
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

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      Lewis Hamilton hits back over ‘hollow’ comments made by Red Bull boss Christian Horner after Max Verstappen crash row

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      LEWIS HAMILTON insists he has no reason to feel ‘hollow’ about his British Grand Prix victory after comments from Christian Horner.Red Bull boss Horner was furious with the Mercedes star over a first-lap collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, which sent the Dutchman into the barrier at 180mph.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided at Silverstone on SundayCredit: AP
      Hamilton was told his victory should feel ‘hollow’ by Christian HornerCredit: PA
      Stewards handed out a ten-second time penalty to the Brit while pausing the race for 40 minutes to clear the wreckage.
      And, with Verstappen taken to hospital for checks, Hamilton claimed the win in front of 140,000 Silverstone fans with a late move on Charles Leclerc.
      Horner, 47, outlined his unhappiness with the reigning world champion to Sky Sports after the crash impact reached 51G, in terms of G-force.
      He said: “Max has incurred a 51G accident, Lewis Hamilton is a world champion and he shouldn’t be making manoeuvres like that. It’s unacceptable.
      “Lewis has got more than enough experience to know that is unacceptable.
      “I’m just very disappointed that a driver of his calibre should make such a move like that. It’s dangerous, it looked desperate.
      “For me, that’s a hollow victory.”
      Verstappen hit out at Hamilton for his ‘disrespectful’ celebrations in front of the Silverstone faithful while the Dutchman was in hospital.
      The Mercedes driver was unaware of his rival’s situation having been told on the radio that Verstappen was okay following the shunt.
      And Hamilton insisted that he was within his right to enjoy the victory having cut his disadvantage in the Formula One standings to eight points.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      It’s important for all of us to take a step back, I’m sure emotions are running high.Lewis Hamilton
      He told reporters: “It doesn’t feel hollow.
      “There’s 2,000 people that work incredibly hard in my team, it’s not just about me.
      “I said this is not what I want to happen in a race. It’s important for all of us to take a step back, I’m sure emotions are running high [at Red Bull] and I know what it’s like to be in that position.”
      Hamilton claimed that both himself and Verstappen were at fault for the first-lap incident.
      Describing the Red Bull racer, 23, as ‘aggressive’, the Brit called on Verstappen to learn from the incident.
      He explained: “I was pretty far up alongside him but I definitely could see he wasn’t going to back out. We went into the corner and collided. 
      “It’s never the way I want to win a race or, just in general to race, but these things do happen. I just hope he’s okay and look forward to many more races. 
      “I’d like to think we should learn from these experiences and there’s rarely an incident that is 100 per cent someone’s fault. It’s always a mixture, and there are things we can both learn.

      Red Bull chief Christian Horner hit out at Hamilton for the crashCredit: Getty

      “Max is probably one of the most aggressive drivers here, in my opinion, he does a great job of course.
      “But I think we have to really try and find the best balance on track, with space and respect between one another so that we can continue racing and have good races without colliding.”
      Hamilton, who was racially abused online after the race, sent his best wishes to Verstappen in a Sunday night social media post.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Here’s how F1’s championship protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen stack up More

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel shows his class after staying behind at British Grand Prix to clear litter from stands

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL showed his class after the British Grand Prix by helping Silverstone staff clear litter from the stands.More than 140,000 F1 fans took in Sunday’s race, which Brit Lewis Hamilton won to close the gap on Max Verstappen to just eight points.
      Sebastian Vettel stayed behind after the British Grand Prix to help clear up litterCredit: Instagram @F1
      The German was spotted removing two full bin bags of rubbishedCredit: Instagram @F1
      The Aston Martin driver was praised for his selfless actCredit: Instagram @F1
      Fans brought snacks and beverages galore for the event, although sadly many of them left their rubbish in the stands.
      And the environmentally-conscious Vettel – who wore a t-shirt urging race fans to ‘keep it clean’ – stayed behind to help cleaners get rid of the rubbish.
      Formula One’s official Instagram account shared a video of the German carrying two bin bags full of rubbish from one of the stands.
      The post’s accompanying caption read: “He had a tough race, but it didn’t stop Sebastian Vettel keeping to his word and staying behind with a group of fans to help clear the litter in the stands.”
      The Aston Martin driver was praised for his selflessness, with one F1 fan writing: “Respect for Seb just continue to rise.
      “He is not just a driver, a strategist, a mechanic, a teacher but also a cleaner!”
      I should have finished well inside the pointsSebastian Vettel after the British Grand Prix
      Another said: “You simply cannot hate him, an absolute class.”
      And another said: “Good guy vettel strikes again.”
      One remarked: “We don’t deserve this man.”
      Vettel had a race to forget at Silverstone as he finished in 19th place.
      The 34-year-old was disappointed with his performance, saying: “The weekend was looking promising and, without all the problems, I should have finished well inside the points.
      “I am very disappointed to lose the car in a wheel-to-wheel battle with Fernando.

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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      “I am not sure exactly what happened, but I misjudged it, lost grip, and spun. After that, I was right at the back.
      “In the end, we did not finish the race because the team retired the car with a cooling issue.”
      Vettel will look to turn in a better display a week on Sunday in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

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      Nico Hulkenberg planning shock return to F1 after two-year exile and says baby daughter ‘won’t slow me down’

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      NICO HULKENBERG believes it is now or never for his return to Formula One, with some extra motivation arriving later this year.The German and partner Egle are expecting their first child in September, with Hulkenberg remarking that his daughter won’t slow him down.
      Nico Hulkenberg (right) was at Silverstone with Aston Martin on the weekendCredit: Getty
      He told Bild: “What I know [is] my daughter will certainly not slow me down.
      “The due date is in September. A New Year’s Eve baby, you could say..!”
      Hulkenberg, 33, holds the record for the most Grand Prix entrances without a podium finish.
      Yet he remains a fan favourite after over a decade racing for Williams, Force India and Renault.
      Currently Aston Martin’s reserve driver, he will likely have to look elsewhere for a seat in 2022 with Haas and Williams rumoured to be his best options in a make or break scenario.
      He said: “The break has made my life a bit more relaxed, of course.
      “As a Formula One driver, you are analysed and under constant scrutiny by the team and the engineers.
      “You only really become aware of the constant pressure once you’re out. But having this distance felt good because it gave me the chance to reflect on the last ten years.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      “Fernando Alonso was out for two years and came back. But he’s also a two-time world champion.
      “I think that’s how realistic I have to be. If it doesn’t work out now, then my F1 chapter is over.
      “I’ve had enough time to think about everything. Of course, I made one or two mistakes, maybe my career would have turned out differently. But I don’t regret much.”
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

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      Lewis Hamilton sent vile racist abuse by sick Instagram trolls after F1 star’s crash with Max Verstappen at British GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was the victim of vile racist abuse on social media after his controversial victory at the British Grand Prix on Sunday.The 36-year-old was hit with a 10 second penalty after he collided with F1 title rival Max Verstappen on the first lap and sent him crashing into the wall at 180mph.
      Lewis Hamilton received vile racist abuse after his controversial Silverstone victory yesterdayCredit: Getty
      He sent rival Max Verstappen crashing out of the race on the first lap after a collisionCredit: Sky Sports
      Medics sent the Dutchman, 23, to hospital as a precaution after he had gingerly exited the mangled car.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner angrily castigated the Mercedes driver, who recovered from the setback to win the race after a late overtake of Charles Leclerc.
      And Verstappen was left seething after watching Hamilton’s celebrations in front of the 140,000 fans from hospital.
      It has now emerged that after his victory, the legendary driver received messages on Instagram that included monkey emojis. 
      One person wrote ‘I was his fan before this race! very bad… Sir Lewis Hamilton’ before adding a gorilla emoji.
      Another message to him only included monkey emojis.
      A joint statement from Formula 1, the FIA and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team said: “During, and after, yesterday’s British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to multiple instances of racist abuse on social media following an in-race collision.
      “Formula 1, The FIA and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
      “These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
      “Formula 1, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.”
      ‘NO PLACE IN OUR SPORT’
      Verstappen’s Red Bull team released a statement saying: “While we may be fierce rivals on-track, we are all united against racism.
      “We condemn racist abuse of any kind towards our team, our competitors and our fans.
      “As a team we are disgusted and saddened to witness to racist abuse Lewis endured yesterday on social media after the collision with Max.
      “There is never any excuse for it, there is certainly no place for it in our sport and those responsible should be held accountable.”
      The shocking abuse comes just a week after England stars Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were subjected to racist abuse online.
      That was after the trio missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy. 
      Hamilton received the Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year award earlier this year due to his involvement in the fight against racism. 
      He hit out at the F1 community in 2020 over a lack of racial diversity amid the George Floyd protests.
      And the seven-time world champion said he felt isolated in trying to combat racial discrimination in a ‘white dominated’ sport.
      He wrote on Instagram: “I see those of you staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay in the midst of injustice.
      “Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.
      “I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us.
      “Just know I know who you who you are (sic) and I see you.”
      Meanwhile, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have finally handed over the details of racist trolls who abused England’s Euro 2020 stars.

      Five people have been arrested after heroes Rashford, Saka and Sancho were targeted following the Three Lions’ heartbreaking defeat to the Azzurri.
      Social media giants had faced mounting pressure to give up the thugs posting abuse – after bosses were hauled before Boris Johnson for a dressing-down last week.
      Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council football policing lead, said the companies are now “working very closely” with the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) to track down all of the vile trolls.
      Hamilton bounced back from a 10-second penalty to win the British GPCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

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      F1 British Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen HITS OUT at ‘dangerous’ Hamilton after controversial win – latest

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.But it has been in controversial fashion after colliding with Max Verstappen in the first lap in an incident which saw the Championship leader crash out.
      Hamilton was given a 10-second penalty and fought back in stunning fashion for victory on home turf.
      Verstappen has been taken to hospital to be checked out following the horror crash.
      Follow ALL the action from Silverstone with our live blog below…
      COOL DOWN
      Charles Leclerc wore an ice vest to combat the 30C Silverstone temperatures, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
      But the heat on track proved too much for Ferrari’s French driver as he blew his race-long lead at the death to Lewis Hamilton.
      Leclerc took top spot at the British GP on the first lap after a dramatic collision between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, saw the Red Bull ace smash into the barriers at 180mph before dropping out of the race.
      After a red-flag delay, Leclerc was ice-cool at the restart in front of a bumper crowd at Silverstone while also being watched by celebs including Tom Cruise in the pit lanes.
      And his secret may have been an ice vest he wore before the race started.
      The temperature hit over 30C in Britain today, with the race track hitting a crazy 52C.
      And it looked like Leclerc’s method was proving to be a winner as he led the race up until the 50th lap.

      WELL WISHES
      British Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton has sent his competitor Max Verstappen well wishes after the pair collided at turn nine in the first lap.
      Verstappen was sent spinning off the track, crashing into the barrier at high speed.
      On Twitter, Hamilton said: “Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport.
      “I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok.
      “I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there.
      “It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd.”
      Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport. I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok. I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there. It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd💜🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/3S16uFYmDZ— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 18, 2021

      BRIT GRIT
      On the same corner which saw Verstappen crash into the barrier, Hamilton pulled off one of the moves of the race to overtake Leclerc and win the race.

      ONE AWAY
      Lewis Hamilton is just one win away from 100 career wins in Formula One!
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash
      HAM RAM
      Silverstone Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton gave his assessment of the crash in lap one.
      🗣”I just feel like he doesn’t need to be as aggressive as he is”🗣”It’s never one person’s fault, it’s always a balance.”Lewis Hamilton discusses his incident with Max Verstappen.#SkyF1 #BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/OJEYcsSahX— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 18, 2021

      MAX HITS BACK
      Max Verstappen has slammed Lewis Hamilton for ‘disrespectful’ and ‘unsportsmanlike’ celebrations while he was taken to hospital.
      The Dutchman’s crash registered at 51G on the G-force scale and he underwent precautionary checks after gingerly climbing out of the car.
      He said on Twitter: “Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this.
      “The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track.
      “Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on.”
      Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this. The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track. Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior but we move on pic.twitter.com/iCrgyYWYkm— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 18, 2021

      LEWIS DISMISSES HOLLOW CLAIM
      Lewis Hamilton has insisted the win does not feel ‘hollow’, as Red Bull boss Christian Horner claimed it should.
      The racer says: “It doesn’t feel hollow.
      “There’s 2000 people that work incredibly hard in my team, it’s not just about me. I said this is not what I want to happen in a race.
      “It’s important for all of us to take a step back, I’m sure emotions are running high [at Red Bull] and I know what it’s like to be in that position.”
      Credit: Getty
      BOTTAS GIVES HIS TAKE
      Valtteri Bottas agrees with Charles Leclerc that both drivers had something to blame in the Max Verstappen-Lewis Hamilton crash.
      He tells reporters: “I saw them fighting and had a feeling something was going to happen.
      “But it happens, it’s racing. I feel like Lewis fully deserved the win today.”
      CHARLES ON THE CRASH
      Charles Leclerc speaking to the press on his view of the Lap 1 crash.
      He says: “It is very difficult to judge it from the car, I could see there were quite a few things going on in front of me.
      “I think it’s a racing incident, it’s difficult to put the blame on one or the other. Maybe Lewis was not completely at the apex but Max was quite aggressive on the outside.”
      TRIBUTE TO LEGEND MURRAY
      Look closely at this shot of Lewis Hamilton throwing his trophy in the air and you’ll spot a nod to Murray Walker.
      The commentary legend, who died earlier this year at the age of 97, is depicted on the stand of the trophy with his iconic quote: “Excuse me while I interrupt myself.”
      Credit: Getty
      TAKE IT IN
      Silverstone put on one hell of a show today.

      CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
      That result cuts Max Verstappen’s lead atop the championship to just eight points.
      TOP TEN:1. VER – 1852. HAM – 177 (+25)3. NOR – 113 (+12)4. BOT – 108 (+15)5. PER – 1046. LEC – 80 (+18)7. SAI – 68 (+8)8. RIC – 50 (+10)9. GAS – 3910. VET – 30
      GREAT DAY FOR LANDO
      Lando Norris would be right to be disappointed given his slow pit stop cost him a potential podium today.
      But the Brit put in a great drive to come home fourth, 14 seconds clear of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
      And it puts him third in the drivers’ championship, leapfrogging Sergio Perez.
      Credit: Splash
      FULL CLASSIFICATION
      Here is how the 2021 Formula One British Grand Prix finished.

      PODIUM JOY
      Lewis Hamilton is doused in champagne by Valtteri Bottas after receiving the British Grand Prix trophy.
      It’s all smiles for Mercedes after five races without a win.
      LEWIS OVERJOYED
      Lewis Hamilton gives his take, and tells the crowd: “It’s massively overwhelming, and physically really difficult.
      “We have the best best crowd, a home crowd is the best crowd. They ain’t got what we got!
      “I’m so grateful, this is a dream for me today. I couldn’t have done it without the teamwork of Valtteri and the team.
      “Max is very aggressive and I was fully alongside him, but regardless of the penalty I take it on the chin.”
      His dad, Anthony, and Tom Cruise are there for big hugs.
      Credit: Reuters
      BOTTAS REACTS
      Valtteri Bottas, third says: “At least we got Lando for myself and Lewis got the win.
      “As a team, its a strong weekend and we go again in two weeks.”
      LECLERC’S MIXED EMOTIONS
      Charles Leclerc speaks to Jenson Button after jumping out of the car.
      He says: “It’s difficult to enjoy.
      “I gave it not 100 but 200 per cent, it was just not enough in the last two laps.
      “Congratulations to Lewis, it was amazing to see the fans in the stands. It was fun, I just lacked a bit of pace late on.”
      RED BULL DENY LEWIS A POINT
      Lewis Hamilton runs off across the grass to savour the win in front of the fans.
      However, Red Bull did nab a point off him as Sergio Perez pitted late for Softs and took his fastest lap – which won’t win the Mexican anything as he finished 16th.
      Every silver lining…
      MERC FIGHTBACK BEGINS
      The Union Jack is out for Lewis Hamilton as he parades around Silverstone.
      He tells team radio: “Great job guys, this goes to everyone in the team and back at the factory. I’m so inspired by you guys, thank you.”
      Toto Wolff tells him the title fight is still on, and Lewis fires back: “Damn right.”
      CHEQUERED FLAG – LEWIS WINS
      It is glory for Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone as he survives a tangle with Max Verstappen, a ten-second penalty, and a great race from Charles Leclerc to take the win!
      LAP 52/52
      Charles Leclerc can’t fight that, dropping a couple of seconds back instantly.
      One more time around Silverstone for Lewis Hamilton to win the British Grand Prix…
      HAMILTON ON FOR THE WIN
      That was almost a replica of Lewis Hamilton’s attempted overtake on Max Verstappen on Lap 1.
      The Brit held back a bit more this time and Charles Leclerc drifted over the kerb and into the run-off area.
      The fans go wild!
      LEWIS INTO THE LEAD
      Lap 50/52 begins with Lewis Hamilton right on Charles Leclerc’s tail…
      The pair head to Copse, where the Lap 1 crash took place…
      And Leclerc runs wide!
      Load more entries… More

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      Lewis Hamilton sends his best wishes to Max Verstappen after 180mph Silverstone crash left Dutch ace in hospital

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has sent his best wishes to Max Verstappen after the Dutchman’s 180mph crash at the British GP sparked a war of words.Red Bull star Verstappen went flying off the Silverstone track in the first lap after being clipped by Hamilton during a tense battle for space.
      Lewis Hamilton tweeted his best wishes to Max Verstappen after the Dutchman’s crash at Silverstone
      The 2021 season leader was immediately taken to hospital for checks before being given the all-clear.
      And Verstappen later branded Hamilton ‘disrespectful’ after the Brit went on to win the race before celebrating with a Union Jack flag – while he was still at hospital.
      However, Hamilton has now looked to calm things down by sending his best wishes to ‘incredible counterpart’ Verstappen.
      But the Mercedes ace refused to apologise for his racing style and celebrations in front of home supporters.
      Hamilton tweeted: “Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport.
      “I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok.
      “I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there.
      “It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd.”
      Whether Hamilton’s message soothes Verstappen’s anger remains to be seen after the Dutchman tweeted earlier today.
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      Verstappen wrote: “Glad I’m ok. Very disappointed with being taken out like this.
      “The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track.
      “Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on.”
      The Dutchman was released later on Sunday evening, writing on Instagram: “Cleared from the hospital after all the checks were ok. Thank you to everyone for all the nice messages and best wishes.”
      Max Verstappen revealed he had got the all-clear from hospital later on Sunday evening
      Lewis Hamilton pulls off huge F1 British Grand Prix win in front of Silverstone fans after penalty for Verstappen crash More

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      Verstappen slams ‘dangerous and disrespectful’ Lewis Hamilton for 180mph Silverstone smash as Brit refuses to apologise

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN slammed Lewis Hamilton for ‘disrespectful’ British Grand Prix celebrations after blaming his rival for their first-lap crash.The Brit attempted to take the lead in a thrilling battle from lights out at Silverstone, which ended with Verstappen being clipped from behind and hurtling into the barrier at 180mph.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrated his win after an early tangle with Max VerstappenCredit: PA
      The Brit’s title rival had left the race for hospital checks
      Medics sent the Dutchman, 23, to hospital as a precaution after he had gingerly exited the mangled car.
      Formula One stewards handed out a ten-second time penalty to Hamilton, 36, despite his claims that he was alongside Verstappen and therefore allowed to attempt the risky overtake.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner angrily castigated the Mercedes driver, who recovered from the setback to win the race after a late overtake of Charles Leclerc.
      And Verstappen was left seething after watching Hamilton’s celebrations in front of the 140,000 fans from hospital.
      He tweeted after the race: “Glad I’m ok.
      “Very disappointed with being taken out like this.
      “The penalty given does not help us and doesn’t do justice to the dangerous move Lewis made on track.
      “Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on.”
      The Dutchman was released later on Sunday evening, writing on Instagram: “Cleared from the hospital after all the checks were ok. Thank you to everyone for all the nice messages and best wishes.”
      Hamilton had asked his team radio if Verstappen was okay while nursing his slightly damaged Merc back to the pits, once the race had been temporarily red-flagged to clear the wreckage.
      Horner, 47, had claimed the victory must feel ‘hollow’ for the reigning world champion.
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      It’s important for all of us to take a step back, I’m sure emotions are running high.Lewis Hamilton
      He said: “Thank goodness the biggest result for us today is [Max] was uninjured.
      “He’s having to go to hospital for precautionary checks after a 51G accident so I hope Lewis is very happy with himself.”
      But Hamilton shot back that he has every fight to enjoy the moment.
      He told reporters: “It doesn’t feel hollow.
      “There are 2,000 people that work incredibly hard in my team, it’s not just about me. I said this is not what I want to happen in a race.
      “It’s important for all of us to take a step back, I’m sure emotions are running high [at Red Bull] and I know what it’s like to be in that position.”
      NO APOLOGY
      Having only seen the footage back once when he addressed the matter, Hamilton insisted he had no reason to apologise to Verstappen – having served a penalty that he did not agree with.
      The Brit added: “I’ve not seen the footage, I will go and have time to reflect on it.
      “I don’t think I’m in a position to have to apologise for anything, we’re out there racing. I’ve heard that Max is in hospital and that definitely concerns me. None of us ever want anyone to get injured.
      “That’s never my intention so I really hope that he’s ok and I’ll check that he’s ok.
      “I don’t agree with the stewards but I take it on the chin and get on with my job. I’m not going to whine about it, everyone is going to have their opinion but I don’t particularly care what people think.”
      Hamilton later looked to calm things down by sending his best wishes to ‘incredible counterpart’ Verstappen.
      Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport. I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok. I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there. It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd💜🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/3S16uFYmDZ— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 18, 2021

      But the Mercedes ace again refused to apologise for his racing style and celebrations in front of home supporters.
      Hamilton tweeted: “Today is a reminder of the dangers in this sport.
      “I send my best wishes to Max who is an incredible competitor. I’m glad to hear he is ok.
      “I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there.
      “It’s a dream to win in front of my home crowd.”
      Hamilton took the win to cut Verstappen’s advantage to eight points in the championship standings.
      It came thanks to a late overtake on Charles Leclerc at the same corner he clashed with Verstappen – and he praised the Ferrari star for his ‘respectful’ approach.
      Hamilton noted: “Charles was very respectful in leaving a gap.
      “I got somewhere alongside him so he knew I was there, but he stayed committed and took a wider line and nearly kept it.
      “That was great racing, for me in that moment I backed out at one point to make sure we didn’t hit each other but it was a really nice balance and how racing should go.

      “In a perfect world that’s what would have happened [vs Max] but… different time, different place, different driver.
      He added: “Max is probably one of the most aggressive drivers here, in my opinion, he does a great job of course.
      “But I think we have to really try and find the best balance on track, with space and respect between one another so that we can continue racing and have good races without colliding.”
      Max Verstappen revealed he had got the all-clear from hospital later on Sunday eveningCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner was left furious with HamiltonCredit: AP
      F1 2021 official launch trailer More