Lewis Hamilton hailed the decision of the race stewards to dish out a three-place grid penalty to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ensuing the crash at Monza
Ever since Lewis Hamilton barged into Max Verstappen at Silverstone, it was clear that the ongoing battle between the two for the championship title was going to be a full blown battle.
Max Verstappen had lashed out at Hamilton ensuing the crash, one which had rendered his race at the British Grand Prix obsolete. Christian Horner and Toto Wolff had gotten involved in the squabble as well with both throwing their weight behind their drivers.
While Verstappen managed to not only erase the deficit but edge past Lewis Hamilton ensuing the F1 2021 summer shutdown, it was clear that things were still simmering between the two. And it eventually lead to another crash involving the duo at Monza, one which ended up culminating in both the drivers failing to finish the race.
Lewis Hamilton Hails Penalty Handed Out To Max Verstappen
The incident occurred in lap 25 of the Italian Grand Prix with Verstappen decided to overtake the Mercedes man proceeding his pit stop. Despite Hamilton doing well to close out any space for overtaking, Verstappen was adamant on easing past the Brit with him eventually going onto hit the sausage kerb.
His Red Bull ended up landing over Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes as Verstappen’s rear tyre thudded into Hamilton’s helmet. The horrendous visuals showed how Hamilton had managed to stave any serious damage owing to the halo with him walking away from the incident with only a sore neck.
In the aftermath of the crash, the race stewards decided to hand down a three-place grid penalty to Verstappen, one which was heralded by Hamilton.
“If that is the result then I think I am ultimately proud of the stewards.
“It definitely sets a precedent and I think it is important for us moving forwards for the safety of the drivers that there are strict rules set in place,” Hamilton said when informed about the penalty.