Hamilton "proud" of stewards for dishing out Verstappen punishment

Verstappen has been given a three-place grid penalty for causing the dramatic crash

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Monday 13 September 2021 09:29

Lewis Hamilton has declared his pride for the FIA stewards for handing title rival Max Verstappen a punishment for his role in their dramatic Italian Grand Prix collision.

The championship protagonists came to blows for the second time this season as Verstappen attempted to make a move on the Mercedes as it rejoined from the pits.

As the gap narrowed at turn one, Verstappen clipped the inside sausage kerb which propelled his Red Bull onto Hamilton's halo, with the rear wheel connecting with the seven-time champion's helmet.

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When put to him he sounded dazed in addition to the neck injury he had previously revealed, Hamilton replied: “It is a big shock.

"I have been racing a long time and we are taking risks out there all the time and I guess it is only when you experience something like that that you get that real shock of how you look at life and how fragile we are."

The three-place grid penalty for Verstappen was announced as Hamilton spoke to the media and reacting instantly, he added: “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 feels "somebody was watching over me"

The halo, which was introduced in 2018, again proved its worth as it saved Hamilton from significant injury as Verstappen's car straddled the roll-hoop of the W12.

Despite the halo taking the brunt of the collision, concerns will be raised over Hamilton's head still taking impact from his rival's car.

“I don’t think I have ever been hit on the head by a car before and it’s quite a shock for me because if you’ve seen the image, my head really is quite far forward," added Hamilton.

“I’ve been racing a long, long time so I’m so grateful that I’m still here and I feel incredibly blessed.

“I feel like somebody was watching over me."