‘Aggressive’ Verstappen didn’t leave me enough space - Hamilton

Hamilton and Verstappen were involved in a controversial clash on the opening lap of the Silverstone race as Hamilton attempted a dive down the inside of Copse to take the lead.

But the seven-time world champion tangled with Verstappen at the apex of the corner, sending the Red Bull driver hurtling into a huge 51G impact with the barriers, causing the race to be red-flagged.

Verstappen walked away from the wreckage of his Red Bull but has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks after complaining of feeling dizzy following his crash.

Hamilton was hit with a 10-second time penalty for the collision but was still able to win the race, leaving Red Bull boss Christian Horner angered by what he felt was a “meaningless” punishment.

But Hamilton felt he was right to go for the move on Verstappen.

"I've been giving my all this past week," said Hamilton. “I’ve been in the factory just giving absolutely everything.

"I've been trying to uncover performance for the car with the guys and I'm so proud of everyone for just continuing to work, even though we've had a bit of a deficit.

"Of course, I always try to be measured in how I approach things, particularly with battling with Max. You know he's very aggressive.

"And then today, I mean I was fully alongside him, and he didn't leave me space.

"But regardless of whether I agree with the penalty, I'll take it on the chin and I just kept working. I was like 'I'm not going to let anything get in the way'."