Max Verstappen was evidently frustrated after he was asked about the risk of him and Sir Lewis Hamilton colliding on the opening lap of the US Grand Prix.
The two Championship protagonists have come to blows several times this season, and Verstappen has suffered two DNFs as a result of collisions with Hamilton (namely at Silverstone and Monza.)
In a post-qualifying interview, Verstappen and Hamilton were asked for their thoughts on the risk of them making contact at turn one, as they will start the US GP alongside one another.
The Dutchman said they are “professionals” and was seemingly annoyed by the fact reporters keep bringing up his incidents with Hamilton this season, particularly the first-lap collision at Silverstone.
“Like we always try, as professionals. I don’t see why we always have to keep bringing this up,” Verstappen said.
“It’s not like we are the only ones who have touched, you know, in this sport and these things happen, unfortunately, but I think we are on the front row again and everyone is just expecting a great race and that’s what we also expect, I think, as drivers.
“We just want to have a really good race,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hamilton, who qualified P2 for the grand prix, said he hopes they both make it through the first corner without incident.
“Yeah, I hope we’ll make it through Turn One and we get a good race,” Hamilton said.
“I don’t think it’s all decided on Turn 1. It is all fun and games. We are going to have fun and give it everything as you would expect.
“It is no real difference to any other part of the season,” the seven-time World Champion concluded.
Verstappen currently has a six-point advantage over Hamilton in the Drivers’ Standings.
He’ll be looking to convert pole position into victory to extend his cushion at the summit of the Championship table as we enter the final few grand prix of 2021.
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