Lewis Hamilton reveals acupuncture recovery after Max Verstappen clash

Hamilton, Mercedes, Russia — Photo: © LAT Images

Russian Grand Prix

3 reacties

Hamilton reveals acupuncture recovery after Verstappen clash

Hamilton was left with a sore neck after the collision at Monza

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Thursday 23 September 2021 12:36

Lewis Hamilton has revealed to using acupuncture to recover from his frightening incident with Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix.

After the title rivals collided in Monza, Verstappen's Red Bull was propelled over the top of Hamilton's Mercedes with the rear wheel of the RB16B landing on the seven-time F1 champion's head.

Hamilton cited a sore neck after the race but was criticised by Red Bull motorsports advisor Dr Helmut Marko after flying to New York's Met Gala the day after.

Article continues under video

Asked for his response, Hamilton said: "I don't really listen to what these individuals talk about. I mean, it is natural when a car lands on your head you are going to have some discomfort.

"As I said, I definitely felt some pain after the race and I said I was going to get it checked out.

"I worked with Angela [Cullen, physio] after the race and during the flight, had checkups the next day and just worked on it through the week with acupuncture and everything.

"I didn't say I was dying. Of course, aware of the fact that in just a millisecond anything can happen so grateful to come out of it not badly injured. We move on."

Hamilton "not putting energy" towards future clashes

The incident at Monza was the second high-profile collision between the two drivers this season after Verstappen's horrific impact at Silverstone.

Asked ahead of the Russian Grand Prix if he was concerned about the potential of further flashpoints, Hamilton replied: "I am just not putting any energy towards that, I am just focusing on putting all the energy into moving forwards.

"Naturally we are battling for a championship. I remember what it was like battling for my first championship and now I am fighting my 10th battle or something like that.

"I remember what it was like and I know the pressure that comes with it and the experiences that go with it so I can empathise with that. I think what is important is we continue to race hard and fair.

"I have no doubts we can both be professional and learn from the past."