……. Read moreMax Verstappen has voiced frustration after an incident during qualifying, stating that Lewis Hamilton impeded him on track—an error he attributes primarily to Ferrari. The Red Bull driver was forced to back off during a hot lap after encountering Hamilton’s Mercedes in the middle of the racing line, causing a stir among fans and teams alike.
Speaking after the session, Verstappen was direct in his assessment. “It was Ferrari who released their car into the path of mine and Lewis’s at the wrong time,” he said. “I don’t blame Lewis entirely. He was clearly told to go, and it all happened in a very tight part of the track. But at the end of the day, he did impede me, and the stewards will have to look at that.”
Verstappen’s remarks suggest a layered perspective. While he acknowledges that Hamilton may have been following instructions from his team, he insists that the rules are clear regarding track interference. “Whether intentional or not, if a driver gets in the way during qualifying, there are consequences,” Verstappen added. “It ruined my lap. I expect the stewards to make the right call, even if it’s unfortunate.”
The Dutchman, known for his candor and competitive edge, didn’t hold back in holding Ferrari accountable for the chain of events. He suggested that a miscalculated release from the Ferrari garage triggered a domino effect, putting multiple drivers in awkward positions.
As the paddock waits for the stewards’ decision, tensions remain high between the top teams. While Hamilton has not publicly responded yet, Mercedes may argue that the situation was out of the driver’s control. Regardless, Verstappen’s stance is clear: rules are rules, and a penalty should follow—even if the circumstances were complex.