REUTERS/JAKUB PORZYCKI
[Saba Sports News] Following the F1 Austrian Grand Prix qualifying, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton commented on the recent collision controversy involving his rival Max Verstappen. He joked, “If Verstappen weren’t on the track, there would be a lot fewer accidents.” This comment clearly refers to the controversial collision between Verstappen and George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. Hamilton and Verstappen have a history of collisions, such as the 2021 British Grand Prix where they collided at Turn 9, resulting in Verstappen crashing into the tire barrier. The stewards penalized Hamilton with a 10-second penalty. These past conflicts have created tension between the two, and Hamilton’s recent comment is a continuation and escalation of their rivalry. His remarks have a clear satirical tone, echoing Russell’s comments after the Canadian Grand Prix, further heating up the rivalry and drawing more attention to the Red Bull team, putting Verstappen under greater public pressure.