“Act like a World Champion” : Lewis Hamilton takes a dig at Max Verstappen after Hungarian GP antics
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen seemed to have reignited their rivalry at the 2024 Hungarian GP last weekend. The two drivers had a collision in the final stages of the race, with Max Verstappen chasing a P3 finish. However, the Dutchman could only finish P5 after his clash with Lewis Hamilton costed him a couple of places.
Max Verstappen was very grumpy during the Hungarian GP, as was heard during his interactions on the team radio. He also seemed to be annoyed with his team’s strategy, which he believes cost him the race victory. After the race, Max Verstappen also had a couple of heated interviews, where he blamed Lewis Hamilton for the crash.
Lewis Hamilton took a jibe at Max Verstappen in the press conference of the Belgian GP, stating that he should act like a world champion. He did not take his name directly, but his comments were intended for the Red Bull driver.
“You have to be a team leader, a team member. Maybe not such a team leader but just always remember you’re a team-mate with lots of people and you have to act like a World Champion,” said Lewis Hamilton, as quoted by Planet F1.
Lewis Hamilton surprised by Max Verstappen penalty decision
Lewis Hamilton stated that he was pretty surprised by the stewards’ decision to not award a penalty to Max Verstappen for causing the crash. However, he put it down to a racing incident for now, but plans to have a conversation with the stewards in the due course.
“Yes. Very much so. I was really, really surprised by it. I think already I was very relaxed about the situation just saying: ‘Look, it’s just a racing incident, let’s just move on. But considering one car was in control and one car was not in control at the time. Obviously, when all the wheels are locked, you’re not in control,” said Hamilton.
“And if you look at the replay, at the end of the whole move I’m very, very far from the apex – there’s a lot of room on the right-hand side – so I was very, very surprised. That will be a question when I speak to [the stewards] at some stage.”
Frustrations seem to be growing for Max Verstappen and Red Bull at the moment. The Dutchman has not win a race after the Spanish GP, finishing outside the podium places in Austria and in Hungary last week. Meanwhile, for Red Bull, Sergio Perez’s performances have not done any favors as McLaren are within touching distance of the reigning champions in the Constructors championship.
