Verstappen hits out at 'disrespectful' Hamilton as Horner reveals 51G crash impact
Monday, 19 July 2021
The Dutchman was taken to hospital.
Max Verstappen accused Lewis Hamilton of being "disrespectful and unsportsmanlike" after Sunday's dramatic British Grand Prix.
The title rivals collided during a sensational first lap at Silverstone, and while Hamilton finished top of the podium, Verstappen ended up in hospital.
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Verstappen had his championship lead trimmed to eight points by Hamilton's success, which came despite the Mercedes man incurring a 10-second penalty for his part in Verstappen's Red Bull leaving the track and ending in a crumpled heap at Copse Corner.
Hamilton served that time and went on to catch long-time leader Charles Leclerc in the closing laps, celebrating excitedly on the podium as home fans lapped up the Brit's eighth victory in the race.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner accused Hamilton of "dirty driving" within minutes of the crash, later telling Channel 4 that the punishment of the reigning world champion did not "fit the crime".
Hamilton defended himself afterwards and said Verstappen was a "very aggressive" driver, insisting he had not been at fault for the clash of wheels that sent the Dutchman spinning into the barriers.
But Verstappen, who was taken to hospital for checks after being left badly winded by his high-speed crash, took aim at the British driver.
Verstappen wrote 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.
A race that will be talked about for a long time #BritishGP 🇬🇧 #F1 pic.twitter.com/XMpp8gCMGy
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 18, 2021
"Watching the celebrations while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on."
Later on Sunday evening, Hamilton tweeted his own take on events, saying he was glad the 23-year-old was not badly injured.
"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," Hamilton wrote.
"I will always race hard but always fairly. My team showed grit and perseverance out there."
Horner disputed Hamilton's post-race claim that he had been "fully alongside" Verstappen when their cars collided.
"He was not significantly alongside Max as you can see from the point of contact, Lewis' front left to Max's right rear," Horner said in a Red Bull statement.
"The move was never on and resulted in a 51G impact for Max. We are in contact with Max and Jos [Verstappen, his father] and will provide an update later."
