Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton racing together at the Chinese Grand Prix in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton has reminded Max Verstappen to “act like a World Champion” after the Red Bull driver’s conduct was criticised at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Red Bull arrived in Budapest armed with their biggest upgrade of the F1 2024 season as the team aimed to retake control of the World Championship, yet were unable to restore the position as F1’s dominant force.
Lewis Hamilton reminds Max Verstappen to ‘act like a World Champion’
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Verstappen could only manage third on the grid behind the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before the reigning World Champion endured a frustrating race.
During the grand prix, the Dutchman did not hold back in expressing his disapproval of the car and his team’s strategic decisions. As the race neared its end, he unfortunately collided with Hamilton, resulting in him finishing a distant fifth.
Following the race, Verstappen’s frustration persisted as he expressed his discontent to the media by instructing his critics to “leave him alone.”
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Hamilton, the individual who holds the record for being the most successful person in F1 history with an impressive seven World Championships and an astonishing 104 pole positions and race wins, has emphasized the importance for drivers to exhibit behavior befitting of a “World Champion.”
During an interview with various media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, before the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, he emphasized the importance of being both a team leader and a team member.
Perhaps you may not be the designated team leader, but always bear in mind that you are part of a team with numerous individuals, and therefore, you must conduct yourself as a World Champion.
When asked to describe the behavior of a World Champion, he responded with laughter, saying, “That’s an interesting question! It’s definitely not the same as it was last weekend.”
The stewards’ ruling stated that Verstappen was not penalized for the incident with Hamilton, emphasizing that the collision could have been avoided if the Mercedes driver had taken additional measures.
Hamilton expressed his surprise at the verdict and intends to address the matter with the stewards at the appropriate time.
When asked about his reaction to the ruling, he expressed, “Yes, I was taken aback. It truly caught me off guard, and I mean, really caught me off guard.”
“I was already quite relaxed about the situation, simply stating, ‘It’s just a racing incident, let’s move forward.'”
However, since one car was in control while the other car was not, it is evident that when all the wheels are locked, one is no longer in control.
“When reviewing the replay, it becomes evident that by the conclusion of the entire maneuver, I am significantly distant from the apex. There is ample space on the right-hand side, and this fact greatly astonished me.”
“At some point, I will address this question when I speak with the stewards.”
Hamilton disclosed that he hasn’t had any communication with Verstappen since the collision. He further mentioned the possibility of encountering Verstappen during the pre-race drivers’ parade at Spa on Sunday, in case there is anything the Red Bull driver wishes to express.
He proceeded to say, “We did not have any further conversation. We simply went to the stewards, and that was the extent of it. However, we have not had a discussion since then.”
“I’m unsure if we will have the opportunity to talk. Perhaps we can catch up during the drivers’ parade this weekend, if possible.”
“I haven’t felt a strong inclination to do so. He might have something to say, but we didn’t have the opportunity.”
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