Verstappen sent clear Hamilton warning after Austrian GP fight: 'Lewis doesn't forget'

The two 2021 title rivals lit up the race at the Red Bull Ring with a series of hard but fair overtakes and counterattacks, with Verstappen eventually coming out on top after initially being edged slightly onto the gravel by Hamilton around the outside.

Verstappen then pulled away to challenge Mercedes for victory in a weekend where the RB22 was transformed by its latest upgrades. Hamilton, meanwhile, suffered a setback after claiming his first Ferrari victory in Barcelona, having to settle for fifth place and finishing well adrift of the podium.

Speaking to F1, the Colombian described the Verstappen-Hamilton battle as one of the highlights of the race praising the intensity of their wheel-to-wheel fight. He suggested that the history between the two drivers, dating back to their fierce 2021 title battle, added an extra edge to the duel, arguing that experiences like those are not easily forgotten by racing drivers. Montoya admitted he thoroughly enjoyed watching the fight unfold, saying it left him smiling throughout.

Following the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton offered his perspective on his intense on-track battle with Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver argued over team radio that he had been pushed off the circuit and called for a penalty. Reflecting on the incident, Hamilton suggested Verstappen had attempted to complete a move around the outside in a situation where he did not have sufficient track position, pointing out that the Dutchman was still behind at the apex of the corner.

From Hamilton's point of view, that meant Verstappen should have backed out of the move rather than expecting the Ferrari driver to concede the position. He also insisted he had left enough room on the outside throughout the battle, believing his actions were well within the limits of fair racing.