Lewis Hamilton has taken a retrospective look at the controversial collision he had with Max Verstappen during the 2021 Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
The incident, which occurred two years ago at Silverstone, resulted in Verstappen’s early exit from the race while Hamilton went on to claim victory.
The clash laid the groundwork for their intense rivalry, which later reached a boiling point in Abu Dhabi when Verstappen secured his first F1 title.
Ahead of his return to Silverstone this year, Hamilton reflected on the incident in an interview with Sky Sports.
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He acknowledged the strength of the Red Bull car and how it was underestimated at the time.
Recounting the race, Hamilton explained, “I lost on the start, with wheel spin, to Max in the sprint race and couldn’t get close enough.
“I knew the next day I had to be ahead. I had to get ahead somehow!”
Describing the tense moments of their battle, Hamilton detailed their close proximity and the challenges they faced on the track.
He admitted thinking he might go wide during their exchange through Turns 3, 4, and 5.
However, he managed to make a comeback, gaining the exit of Turn 7.
Unfortunately, the collision occurred, a common occurrence in racing, according to Hamilton.
He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of motorsport, stating, “That’s what happens in racing sometimes. That’s what motorsport entails sometimes.”
Following the incident, Hamilton received a 10-second penalty but remained focused on the race and the task at hand.
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He described his determination to recover from the setback, a feat he considered significant.
Hamilton emphasised that during the race, he was not dwelling on the earlier incident.
Instead, he maintained his concentration and successfully regained the lead, ultimately winning the Grand Prix despite the collision and the position he had lost the previous day.