Max Verstappen, the Formula one F1 driver who never fails to create controversy, is once again in the lights as he claims that Lewis Hamilton drove him off the track in the Australian Grand Prix.
The 2023 F1 season might not go as expected for team Mercedes. But for the fans who were eagerly waiting to see the battles between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the game was there just as imagined. On Sunday, F1 fans are delighted with a very entertaining show in Melbourne filled with carnage factors, unnecessary risks, and fierce battles. However, apart from all the above, one thing remained the best part of the show, the seven-time world champion returned to the podium again. The Mercedes team was closest to winning the first race after losing the 25 past races.
Max Verstappen Thinks The Rules Are Not Followed By His Rival
Fans featured stunning views from the battle of the two rivals, Max Verstappen, the winner, and Lewis Hamilton, who was the second on the podium. But finally, the Red Bull star won the race with a struggling story. Mercedes’ George Russell first overtook him in turn one. Then came Lewis Hamilton wheels to wheels to the RB19, passing him in turn 3. In between, both the expert drivers avoid collisions that would have resulted in massive damage to the cars.
But in the post-race interview, Verstappen revealed his view about the fight he and Hamilton had in Australia. The two-time world champion accepted that he had avoided the crash. Max Verstappen said, “We had a good pace, and we passed the rivals anyway.” But he remained concerned that this must be a concerning issue for the upcoming races. He was not happy with the rules that Hamilton did not follow the rules while kicking him off the track. But Max was much more delighted that he had won his first race in Australia.
“I Did Not Run Max Off The Track,” Explained Lewis Hamilton
Meanwhile, the Mercedes superstar, who did not run his rival off the track, disagreed with whatever Max Verstappen claimed. For Lewis Hamilton, it was just a RACE! “And it was pretty decent.” He further explained the scenario for what exactly happened in Melbourne Weekend. Hamilton reckons that Max braked early, whereas he braked late. As per Lewis, he was fully inside, and there was space left by both of the drivers. “I did not run Max off the road, and he did not turn in on me.” And that’s how they did not touch each other, which is what is called “Racing,” said Lewis Hamilton.
The Australian GP remained a worthy topic for discussion for the world as FIA was caught prioritizing entertainment over drivers’ safety. The race ended with Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd podium, respectively. Along with a lot of unnecessary safety cars. The Aston Martin Martin team kept shining, proving the fact that the Mercedes engine and Red Bull’s concept is what it takes to initiate a strong comeback.