Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton found themselves entangled in an “old-fashion” clash during the Sprint Shootout in Spielberg.
Although the drivers slightly hindered each other, the stewards determined that the incidents did not warrant further investigation.
Verstappen shed light on the incident during the post-race press conference.
The duel between Verstappen and Hamilton took place during the initial segment of qualifying for the F1 Sprint at the Red Bull Ring.
Hamilton, unfortunately, failed to progress beyond SQ1 after having his lap time invalidated due to track limits and being unable to improve due to traffic on his final lap.
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Addressing the incident with his former rival, Verstappen explained, “Yes, he blocked me into the last corner, so I had to brake more and I lost three-tenths.
“So that wasn’t ideal, I think not correct.”
He further elaborated, stating, “Yes, there were still a few seconds on the clock, so I wasn’t sure if my lap time was going to be safe, so I wanted to continue.
“But yes, I ran out of time and space with the two cars like that, which was a bit of a shame.”
Despite the encounter, the championship leader faced no significant consequences.
Verstappen effortlessly advanced to SQ2 and SQ3, securing pole position for the sprint race in his RB19.
The stewards reviewed the incident and determined that it did not warrant further action, allowing the drivers to focus on the upcoming sprint race and their pursuit of victory.
The clash between Verstappen and Hamilton added an extra layer of excitement to the race, captivating fans worldwide.
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As the sprint race at the Red Bull Ring commenced, all eyes were on Verstappen and Hamilton, eager to witness how their battle would unfold on the track.
The incident served as a reminder of the intense rivalry between the two drivers, fuelling anticipation and intrigue among Formula 1 enthusiasts.
Verstappen’s pole position provided him with an advantageous starting position for the sprint race, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the championship contenders.