Max Verstappen Calls for Lewis Hamilton Penalty After Chaotic Start in Monza
Max Verstappen has once again found himself at the center of a Formula 1 controversy, this time during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Dutch driver took to team radio early in the race to suggest that his rival, Lewis Hamilton, should be penalized following a chaotic start.
The incident occurred in the opening laps when Hamilton, fighting for position, made contact with another car, forcing both drivers off the track momentarily. While both were able to rejoin the race without significant damage, Verstappen immediately voiced his concerns, accusing Hamilton of unsportsmanlike behavior.
“That was completely unnecessary,” Verstappen was heard saying over the team radio. “He should get a penalty for that. It’s dangerous driving.”
Verstappen’s call for action highlights the ongoing tension between the two drivers, who have a history of on-track clashes. The stewards investigated the incident but ultimately decided that no further action was required, deeming it a racing incident.
Hamilton, for his part, dismissed the accusations, stating, “It’s racing. These things happen, especially at the start when everyone is fighting for position.”
Despite Verstappen’s complaints, both drivers continued to battle fiercely throughout the race, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry. With the championship battle heating up, this latest incident at Monza only intensifies the drama between the sport’s top contenders.