With Lewis Hamilton starting from pole position and Max Verstappen third due to his mistake in the last sector of qualifying, there was every chance that the two drivers’ paths would cross during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race and they finally did.
After several controversial movements between them and two red flags that stopped the race for a few minutes, Verstappen and Hamilton found themselves in the middle of the test fighting for a victory that both knew could be crucial in the fight for the world championship. pilots.
The first big controversy came at turn 1, where the Dutchman stuck out his elbows and pushed his closest rival off the track, receiving orders from the team to give him the position. Verstappen wanted to do it before the finish line to take advantage of the DRS and Hamilton collided with the rear of the RB16B: the Mercedes man sold that his rival had done a ‘brake-test’ and his rival defended that he was letting him pass.
Luckily for both, neither had to leave and continued on track. But the big loser was Verstappen , who received a five-second penalty, lost first position and also had to testify before the stewards for the action that raised so much controversy.
As soon as the race was over and with his nerves still on edge, Max Verstappen was very clear and acknowledged that he did not agree with the decisions that the race stewards had made during the race.
“Yeah, it was a pretty eventful race. A lot of things happened that I don’t totally agree with, but it is what it is. I mean, at least I tried it on the track, you know, give it my all. But I’m not sure whether the tires would have lasted to the end.
In reference to the controversial touch with Hamilton when he had to give up the position, this is how the Dutch driver explained himself: “I slowed down. I wanted to let him pass, so I went to the right, but he did not want to overtake and then we touched so yes I really don’t understand what happened there.”
To finish, Verstappen received the fans’ award for ‘Driver of the day’ (best driver of the day) and took the opportunity to send a very strong and forceful message to the stewards, the FIA and Formula 1.
“Fortunately the fans are clear about what racing is, because what happened today is unbelievable. I’m just trying to race and this sport these days is more about penalties than racing. For me this is not Formula 1.” the Red Bull driver, who will arrive in Abu Dhabi tied on points with Hamilton but with the lead in his possession.
Gallery: Max Verstappen during the 2021 F1 Saudi Arabian GP
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
Foto de: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Simon Galloway/Motorsport Images
Foto de: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
