Hamilton Critiques Verstappen's Conduct in Hungary

Initially claiming it was merely a racing incident, Lewis Hamilton expressed surprise at being partially blamed by stewards for the clash with Max Verstappen in Hungary. The Mercedes F1 driver, reflecting on the incident, believed his rival would face a penalty.

“Yes, absolutely. I was very, very surprised,” Hamilton stated. “I think I was already quite relaxed about the situation. I told myself it was just a racing incident and we should move on.”

“But considering that one car was in control and the other was not at that moment. And if you look at the replay, I am very, very far back, at the end of all the movement. I am very far from the apex. So, I left a lot of room on the right side. I was very, very surprised.”

The two drivers have not discussed the matter, except with the stewards: “We didn’t talk afterward. We went to see the stewards. That’s all. Yes, we haven’t had a discussion. I don’t know if we will. Maybe we will talk during the parade this weekend. I didn’t feel the need to do so.”

Hamilton also believes that Max Verstappen did not do himself any favors by being so aggressive with his team, particularly with his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, during the race in Hungary.

“You need to be a team leader, a team member. Maybe not really a boss, but remember that you are a teammate with many people and you need to behave like a world champion,” Hamilton continued, then pressed to explain his last remark. “It’s a good question. Not like last weekend.”

No hard feelings towards Lando Norris

Hamilton also faced a blunt response from Lando Norris in the ‘cool room’, when he told his compatriot that McLaren was quick. Here too, he remains composed: “It didn’t bother me, no. I think I’m almost 40 years old, and I remember being in my twenties.”

“And I remember, looking back and thinking about the things I said, things I would have said differently or reacted differently to, and I noticed, like, when you come out of a race, when you feel you should have won, your emotions are inflamed.”

“I see that and I think it’s a question of age and I don’t take it personally. I think ultimately, all of us, drivers, competitors, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. That’s how we do what we do.”

“I don’t think you can be particularly good without putting pressure on yourself. You have to aim high and, you know, if you fail, you tell yourself that it’s the best thing and you’re really relaxed about it.”

“I don’t think you can ever naturally achieve what you want to achieve. Can you be too hard on yourself? Of course. There was a time, I believe, when I didn’t leave my room for three days when I was his age, so I know what it’s like.”

“And it wasn’t healthy for me, but I don’t think I’ve ever stared at myself in the mirror for three days so far. I hope that won’t be the case. I think what’s important is that we continue to do what we do. Their drivers are excellent. They have an excellent car.”