Hamilton responds to Marko ‘show’ claim, reveals acupuncture recovery

The seven-time world champion reported suffering from a sore neck after Verstappen’s Red Bull landed on top of his car as the pair crashed out midway through the Italian GP at Monza while battling for position at the first chicane.

Verstappen’s rear-wheel caused significant damage to the roll hoop area on Hamilton’s Mercedes before striking the Halo and the Briton’s helmet.

Asked if he had any lingering effects following the crash, Hamilton replied: “No, fortunately not. I was very lucky as I had Angela [Cullen, pyhsio] with me all week.

“She was meant to go home but she stayed with me all week. Lots of good, positive treatments and lots of yoga and then managed to get in the gym. I’m feeling good, feeling fortunate.”

Red Bull motorsport director Helmut Marko claimed Mercedes put on “a show” about Hamilton being injured and downplayed the seriousness of the accident, citing how Hamilton was able to fly to New York to attend the Met Gala just a day after the Italian GP.

"I don't really listen to what these individuals talk about,” Hamilton said. “I mean, it is natural when a car lands on your head you are going to have some discomfort.

"As I said, I definitely felt some pain after the race and I said I was going to get it checked out.

"I worked with Angela [Cullen] after the race and during the flight, had checkups the next day and just worked on it through the week with acupuncture and everything.

"I didn't say I was dying. Of course, aware of the fact that in just a millisecond anything can happen so grateful to come out of it not badly injured. We move on.”

Hamilton insisted he is keen to move on from the drama of his latest on-track clash with Verstappen heading into this weekend's Russian Grand Prix. 

“I’m just not putting any energy towards that,” Hamilton said. “I’m just focusing on, literally just all the energy on moving forwards.

“Naturally, we are battling for a championship. I remember what it was like battling for my first championship and obviously I’m fighting for something like my 10th title battle.

“I remember what it was like and the pressure and experiences that you go with, so I empathise with that. I think what is important is that we continue to race hard, but fair.

“I have no doubts that we will both be professional and learn from the past.”

Hamilton also confirmed Mercedes is not currently planning to introduce a fourth power unit on his car and take a subsequent grid penalty.

“As far as I’m aware right now I think we are OK,” he explained. “However there is a long way to go.

“At the moment we have no plans to put in a new engine. I hope that stays the same, but obviously I can’t predict the future.”