Hamilton would repeat F1 British GP attack on Verstappen
2021’s F1 title protagonists collided on the opening lap of the British GP when Hamilton attempted a lunge into Copse as he and main rival Verstappen battled hard for the lead.
Hamilton picked up a 10-second penalty for causing the clash which resulted in Verstappen suffering a 51G impact with the barriers but the seven-time world champion completed a fightback drive to win, having passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at the same corner.
Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton insisted he would repeat the move if he found himself in the same situation in future.
“In terms of the move, I would do the move exactly the way I’ve probably done it and did it,” Hamilton said.
“In terms of how I’ve reviewed it and analysed, from all my experience over the years speaks for a lot… I wouldn’t change it.”
And the 36-year-old Briton stressed he felt no need to have to explain the difference in his approach to overtaking Verstappen and Leclerc.
“I definitely can explain but I’m not gonna explain,” he added. “I’ve been racing for twenty and god knows how many years… I know how to navigate through corners and overtaking manoeuvres.
“So I won’t waste my energy trying to explain it. But it’s definitely going to be difficult for people to fully understand.”
Asked whether he will race Hamilton differently from now on, Verstappen replied: “I don’t think so, because from my side I didn’t do anything wrong.
“I fought hard, I defended hard, but not aggressive, because if it would have been aggressive I could have squeezed him into the inside wall, but I did give him the space and then I just opened up my corner.
“When you then commit on the inside like he did and not back out expecting that you can do the same speed on that angle that I had on the outside you are going to of course crash into me.
"I’m on the outside, I’m opening up my corner not expecting him to commit and he just understeered into the rear of my car. There’s not much I can do I think.”
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