Albon won’t change approach when racing F1 champion Hamilton

Alex Albon says he will not change his approach when racing wheel-to-wheel with Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton in the future, following their collision during the Austrian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was penalised for the second time in three races for a clash with the Red Bull driver when Albon attempted a bold around-the-outside pass on the reigning world champion for second place in the closing stages of last weekend’s F1 season-opener in Austria.

The pair also came together late on during last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix and on both occasions Hamilton took Albon out of contention for a podium and was subsequently punished.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s second consecutive race at the Red Bull Ring - the Styrian Grand Prix - Albon revealed he has no plans to change his approach to racing Hamilton.

Asked if he will change his approach, Albon replied: “No, not at all.

“It is just bad circumstances that we have come together twice.”

Hamilton insisted there is “no bad blood” between himself and Albon. Albon said he has not discussed the clash with Hamilton in person or via text since the incident occurred.

“We didn't talk afterwards, there wasn't really anything to say,” he said.

“It is what it is, but I am sure Lewis did not intend to make contact.”

Hamilton was slapped with a five-second time penalty for causing the collision and also had two penalty points added to his superlicence, bringing his total for the current 12-month period up to seven, more than halfway towards picking up an automatic one-race ban.