F1 News: Shocked Verstappen reacts to Ricciardo's Chinese GP crash: 'Oh my god!'

Max Verstappen in China — Photo: © IMAGO

Chinese Grand Prix

Shocked Verstappen reacts to Ricciardo's Chinese GP crash: 'Oh my god!'

Ricciardo was hit from behind by Lance Stroll in Shanghai

Originally written by Chris Deeley. This version is a translation.

Sunday 21 April 2024 20:00

Max Verstappen has a reputation for knowing everything that goes on around him in a Formula 1 race, often taking advantage of screens around tracks to see incidents further back in the pack.

However, a paucity of monitors around the Shanghai International Circuit meant that he didn't see Lance Stroll's collision with Daniel Ricciardo until the cool-down room after the race, and the world championship leader reacted with shock.

Seeing the Australian rear-ended by the Aston Martin driver at the safety car restart, Verstappen exclaimed 'oh!' and covered his mouth, before trying to pin down when the incident had taken place.

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Stroll was given a ten-second penalty for the collision, which – along with Yuki Tsunoda being taken out by Kevin Magnussen – brought out a second safety car almost immediately.

Ricciardo was running in the points when he was hit

Ricciardo punted out of Chinese GP

David 'Crofty' Croft on commentary said at the time: "Oh no Ricciardo! Not his fault at all. Back-ended by Lance Stroll. There's half a diffuser left! I can understand why he says he has no grip. Both RBs out of the Chinese GP."

Verstappen, meanwhile, had no such drama to contend with at the front, pulling away after the second restart to claim his fourth win of the season by over ten seconds from surprise runner-up Lando Norris.

The win, coupled with his sprint victory on Saturday, moves the Dutchman 25 points clear of team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers' world championship standings – with Red Bull 44 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors'.

Mercedes Formula 1 Aston Martin Ricciardo