Two Sundays ago, Silverstone saw one of the most intense battles this season, between both the front-runners and the midfield. However, these battles were overshadowed by the hair-raiser that was Lap 1.
Max Verstappen put it in pole in the sprint race with Lewis Hamilton in P2. Verstappen had a decent start at lights out, but so did Hamilton, leaving them side by side at every corner.
Copse saw Verstappen get the outside line with Hamilton on the inside trying for the overtake. A collision with Verstappen’s right rear sent the Dutchman into the barriers at a 51-G impact.
Thankfully, Max was able to get out of the car safely and head to the Silverstone Circuit Medical Centre, where he was later taken to a local hospital for precautionary tests. He is doing okay.
Post-crash interviews saw Christian Horner fuming at the 7-time world champion for his dangerous manoeuvre, ‘You know you don’t do that here,’ said Horner to F1 TV. “I hope Lewis is very pleased with himself.”
Max Verstappen took to social media to ease the minds of F1 supporters, but that did not come without some words thrown in Hamilton's way.
“Watching the celebrations after the race while still in hospital is disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behaviour but we move on,”
Hamilton’s post-race interview with Sky Sports F1 showed his position on the matter, “Max doesn’t need to be so aggressive.”
However Hamilton did also send well wishes to the Dutchman post-race, saying “that’s never the way I want to win a race – or in general, to race – but yes, these things do happen. I just hope he’s OK, and I look forward to many more races."
The incident has left both fans and teams fired up, which begs the question: what is going to happen in Hungary?
At Silverstone, Hamilton demonstrated closer and more competitive racing. His lack of submission contributed to his GP victory, alongside the team’s strategy and cooperation from teammate Valtteri Bottas. This shows great promise for Mercedes when looking at both the Driver’s and Constructors’ Championship and the ground made up.
However, online conversations after the race were not as sweet as the win. The backlash from Red Bull fans among other F1 enthusiasts piled onto Formula 1’s main Instagram and Twitter as well as Hamilton’s and Mercedes’ respective social media.
Lewis is no stranger to online backlash. Entering his 15th year in Formula 1, however, will the comments and results of the crash itself change Hamilton and his team’s strategy in Hungary?
Max Verstappen is no stranger to hardcore racing. However, after Silverstone, would this lead to a more careful Verstappen? The unfortunate accident was the championship leader’s biggest major crash that left him quite bruised. The 51-G impact also heavily damaged his car leaving Red Bull with a whopping $1.8 million car repair.
Could a crash as big as this and the costs involved lead to a change in strategy and level of aggression this coming Sunday at the Hungaroring? Or will this only motivate Max further?
One thing we can count on the Hungarian Grand Prix to be, is an exciting race with a fight for the points and the lead in the Driver’s Championship.
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