Lewis Hamilton claims F1 rules 'don't apply' to Max Verstappen after further controversy

Hamilton and Verstappen clash in Saudi — Photo: © LAT Images

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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Hamilton claims F1 rules 'don't apply' to Verstappen after further controversy

F1's title fight ignited once more in Jeddah

Ewan Gale

Sunday 5 December 2021 22:11 Updated: 22:33

Lewis Hamilton has suggested F1's rules do not apply to Max Verstappen after a tumultuous Saudi Arabian Grand Prix packed with controversy.

The championship rivals clashed on multiple occasions at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with close calls at restarts ultimately resulting in a collision between the pair when Verstappen attempted to let the Mercedes back through after overtaking Hamilton off-track.

The redress was finally completed on the third attempt, only after both cars sustained damage and Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty.

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The duo have avoided collisions numerous times through the season but with tensions ramping up, Hamilton was asked whether his approach to racing had changed.

"I don't think I have changed the way I race," the seven-time champion replied.

"We have seen multiple incidents, like in Brazil where we are supposed to be doing our racing between the white lines and the rules haven't been clear from the stewards and those things have been allowed so that has continued.

"From my understanding, I cannot overtake someone, go off track and then keep the decision.

"That is well known between all of us drivers but that doesn't apply to one of us, I guess."

After the turn one incident which saw Verstappen hold the lead with both escaping through the turn two run-off area in a move reminiscent of the pair's controversial incident in Brazil, Hamilton called Verstappen "f**king crazy".

"I definitely feel there were scenarios where that was the case," insisted Hamilton.

"This is not the first time I have had to avoid an incident and yeah, that is how I felt in the moment.

"Sometimes you say things in the heat of the moment and then you go back and rewatch things and feel differently.

"In the moment, that is how it felt but I really just tried to recompose myself and chase down and keep on fighting."