"I didn't understand" - Hamilton bemused by Verstappen incident
F1 News
Sir Lewis Hamilton described his controversial Sausi Arabian Grand prix victory as "tough", as he held off Max Verstappen during an immensely controversial battle to take the title race to the final round of the season. "I was trying to be sensible but tough as well, all my experience of the year, keeping my car on track and staying clear," stated the seven-time champion following a race that had evidently taken a physical toll on the drivers.
Hamilon was involved in multiple incidents with Verstappen, as the Dutchman twice seemed to push the Brit off the track, earning a five-second penalty. However, in amongst this, Verstappen was ordered to let Hamilton through by his team, only for a misunderstanding to put Hamilton into the back of Verstappen on the way into Turn 27.
"I didn't understand why he hit the brakes heavily, I ran into the back of him. He moved on, so I didn't understand. I had a message afterwards that he was going to let us past so it was a bit confusing," Hamilton stated after the Grand Prix, having won and taken the fastest lap to enter Abu Dhabi next week dead level with Verstappen.
Speaking on the race itself, Hamilton reaffirmed his pride at the performance of his team. "We've persevered as a team and we've had so much thrown at us in the second half of the season," before praising his team mate Valtteri Bottas in Mercedes' battle with Red Bull "They've got some raw pace, they've been quick and it was hard to overtake. Valtteri did well to get the points today. It's been an amazing event, I feel welcome here. The people have been lovely, difficult physically and mentally but wouldn't want it any other way."
Hamilton and Verstappen will now do battle in Abu Dhabi completely tied on points with Verstappen, as this thrilling title battle comes to a dramatic end.