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Was Verstappen's penalty justified for crash with Hamilton in Brazil?

Was Verstappen's penalty justified for crash with Hamilton in Brazil?

13-11-2022 19:03
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GPblog.com

In an eventful early phase of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided. Both drivers gave each other little space, yet it was Verstappen who was singled out as the main culprit by the stewards. Was that punishment justified?

Verstappen rightly penalised for crash with Hamilton?

Verstappen was hot on the heels of his 2021 rival when the green flag was waved after an early safety car. He was overtaking when the two hit each other and Verstappen ended up next to the track. The Dutchman fell far back and suffered damage to his Red Bull, after which he had to make a pit stop.

Hamilton got off considerably better. The Mercedes driver lost a few spots, but was able to continue his way with no visible damage. After investigating the incident, the stewards ruled that Verstappen was primarily responsible and he was given a five-second time penalty. Verstappen served that penalty at his next pit stop.