Button "struggling to understand" F1 rules after Hamilton-Verstappen controversy

Ewan Gale
Sunday 12 December 2021 13:42 - Updated: 13:44

Former F1 world champion Jenson Button has questioned the decision not to investigate the lap one incident between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, and claimed: "I am struggling to understand the regulations."

Verstappen started the championship decider in Abu Dhabi from pole but Hamilton took the lead with a perfect getaway at the start.

The Red Bull driver attempted to retake the lead into turn six and seven chicane on the first lap with a late lunge into the braking zone.

Despite missing the apex, Verstappen kept his car on the race track between the white lines whilst Hamilton was forced to avoid contact, running across the chicane and keeping the lead.

Much to Red Bull's grievance, the incident was not investigated by the stewards but speaking on Sky Sports F1, Button revealed his confusion.

"It was a very late lunge but it was always going to happen," said the 2009 world champion.

"Lewis knew he was coming and he pushed Lewis off, I guess, but he stayed on the track.

"I am struggling to understand the regulations right now because obviously in Brazil, there was no penalty but they both drove off the circuit whereas Max stayed on the track this time."