Hamilton’s Jab at Verstappen: “Act Like a World Champion” Amid F1 Rivalry Flare-Up

Lewis Hamilton playfully jabs at Max Verstappen to 'behave like a world champion'

Amidst Red Bull's recent performance struggles, Lewis Hamilton has playfully taunted his former F1 adversary Max Verstappen, according to Lewis Larkam in Belgium.

Lewis Hamilton playfully jabbed at Max Verstappen, advising his former F1 championship competitor to "behave like a world champion" after their crash during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In the final moments of last Sunday's race at the Hungaroring, the intense competition for third place and a podium finish resulted in a clash between seven-time world champion Hamilton and Verstappen.

In a bold move to overtake Hamilton towards the end of the race, Verstappen misjudged his braking, causing his tyres to lock and collide with Hamilton's. This sudden impact sent the current world champion soaring off the track and into the run-off zone.

Hamilton secured a third-place finish, whereas Verstappen dropped to fifth after a challenging race, during which he vehemently expressed dissatisfaction with his car's performance and Red Bull's tactics, unleashing a string of expletive-laden tirades on the team radio.

"Being both a leader and a part of the team is essential," Hamilton emphasized on Thursday before the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.

"Perhaps not exactly taking on the role of a team leader, but always bear in mind that you're part of a team, alongside numerous individuals, and it's essential to behave in a manner befitting a world champion."

In response to the question about the behavior befitting a world champion, Hamilton chuckled before answering, "That's an interesting inquiry. Definitely not the way I did last weekend."

Verstappen was observed informing Hamilton that they would discuss their on-track clash in the media area following the Hungarian Grand Prix, though the British driver mentioned that this conversation has not taken place so far.

"He clarified that they didn't have a conversation following the incident. Instead, they approached the stewards and left it at that, noting they haven't spoken since.

"I'm unsure whether we'll have the opportunity or not. There's a chance we might have a discussion during the parade for drivers this weekend, perhaps. Personally, I haven't seen a pressing reason to have a conversation, but he might have something on his mind he wishes to express. However, we haven't found the right moment to do so yet."

Hamilton Expresses Astonishment at Stewards' Decision

Hamilton and Verstappen were not penalized following the stewards' determination that no driver was primarily to blame.

Nonetheless, they concluded that Hamilton "might have taken further actions to prevent the crash," a finding that has left the Mercedes driver perplexed.

"Hamilton expressed his astonishment, stating, 'It truly caught me off guard. I was quite calm about what had happened, essentially viewing it as a mere on-track mishap, and I was ready to just let it go and proceed.'"

"Taking into account that one vehicle maintained control while the other did not at that moment. Clearly, if all the wheels are locked, you're not managing it."

"Upon reviewing the playback, it's evident that by the completion of the maneuver, I'm significantly distant from the peak, leaving ample space on the right side."

"I found myself quite taken aback by the stewards' actions. I'm not sure who was responsible for drafting it, but that's likely something I'll inquire about when I have a chance to discuss it with them."

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