Verstappen collided with Hamilton AND Russell at Monza: 'That's the only explanation'

Max Verstappen was unhappy with Lewis Hamilton's driving shortly after the start of the Italian Grand Prix. The two hit each other, but Verstappen also appears to have had an incident with the other Mercedes driver: George Russell.

Early in the race, a radio message from Verstappen was broadcast complaining about Hamilton. "He didn't leave me any car-width space. I have been penalised for that before, so...," Verstappen said. Hamilton, in turn, reported being hit by the Dutchman. However, the FIA took no action, as it often does on the first lap of a Formula One race.

However, onboard footage showed that Verstappen had an incident with both Mercedes drivers after the start. This was not shown in the live broadcast, as the focus was on the battle for the lead between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Russell shot straight on at the end of the straight and lost several places as he drove back onto the track. Hamilton and Verstappen passed the 26-year-old Briton, after which Verstappen tried to overtake Hamilton. In doing so, the two hit each other, causing Verstappen to slow down and get Russell on his neck. Russell hit Verstappen's right rear tyre with his front wing, losing a piece of his wing end plate. As a result, Russell had to come in for his first stop earlier than planned.

Speaking to GPblog and others after the F1 race at Monza, Verstappen reacted to the incidents with the Mercedes drivers. "Yeah, probably lap one, you're focusing on the cars ahead, not looking in the mirrors as well. That's my only explanation," Verstappen said.