Verstappen: Accident scandal with Hamilton is forgotten

Created: 07/02/2022 05:01

No longer hold grudges: Max Verstappen (l) and Lewis Hamilton © Tim Goode / PA Wire / dpa

A year after the Silverstone accident scandal, Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has left his anger at Lewis Hamilton behind.

Silverstone - “Clashes happen, some are more painful than others.

We have a lot of respect for each other," said the world championship leader before the British Grand Prix on Sunday (4 p.m. / RTL and Sky).

Last year, the leading Red Bull driver and Hamilton touched after a tough duel on the first lap.

Verstappen crashed into the gang and was eliminated.

Despite a time penalty, his Mercedes rival won at Silverstone for the eighth time.

“That's the beauty of racing drivers.

You're upset at the moment, but you can quickly forget it," said Verstappen upon his return to the scene.

At that time, the Dutchman had accused the British of "disrespectful and unsportsmanlike conduct".

Hamilton had emotionally celebrated his success with the fans while Verstappen was still in the hospital for examinations.

“You always look ahead.

Looking back doesn't change anything," said the Red Bull driver.

Last year's feud was "more between the teams than between me and Lewis".

Up until the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi, the two drivers had fought an intense battle for the title.

Only in the final lap did Verstappen secure his first World Championship triumph after a controversial decision by the race director.

"I look back on the past year with a smile," said the 24-year-old before the tenth round of the season.

dpa