Mercedes team boss backs down: 'Didn't mean Max crashed on purpose'

Wolff called it a 'tactical foul' by Verstappen. In his media round, which included Motorsport-Total.com, the Mercedes team boss explained that he did not mean by that that Verstappen made a mistake deliberately. Wolff meant more that it was a moment in which Verstappen was aware that his action carried risks.

However, the Austrian still believes it was a tactical error. According to Wolff Lewis Hamilton showed in the first lap how you can prevent such an incident if you want to. The halo also comes up for discussion: "Halo definitely saved Lewis' life today."

Whether any blame will be apportioned for the incident remains to be seen. The stewards have spoken with Hamilton and Verstappen and will come back with their verdict this evening. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko consider it a racing incident in any case.