Hamilton defends Ocon over Verstappen crash

Hamilton defends Ocon over Verstappen crash

Martin Macdonald

Sunday 11 November 2018 20:47

Lewis Hamilton stuck up for Esteban Ocon after his collision with Max Verstappen which cost the Dutchman victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, saying that the Frenchman was allowed to "unlap himself" as the Red Bull man raged about the incident post-race.

Verstappen was looking to build on his victory at the Mexican GP by making it two wins in a row at Interlagos, but his assault was halted by Ocon, who continued to competitively race against the Dutchman despite being two laps behind, which ultimately cost Red Bull the victory after a crash.

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Hamilton, who took advantage of the collision between Verstappen and Ocon to go on and claim the win in Brazil, had some sympathy for the Silver Arrows junior driver.

Speaking in the cooldown room as Verstappen seethed, Hamilton said: "He can unlap himself, you know," to which Verstappen replied: "I know".

Hamilton continued to support Ocon in the conversation, saying: "He had nothing to lose."

The 2018 world champion received questions from Sky Sports after the race following the incident which allowed him to win, and he is of the opinion that more space should have been given to Ocon for Verstappen to pass.

"You know what I'd have done. You've got make sure there is room, " said Hamilton.

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