Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen had their latest run-in at the Italian Grand Prix, with their incident on Lap 26 of Sunday's race at Monza putting both drivers out of race. Opinion is divided over the incident, though the stewards clearly feel the Red Bull driver was to blame after handing him a three-place grid penalty for the Russian GP . Here's a look at some of the reaction to emerge from current and past drivers, along with F1 pundits.
Fernando Alonso
"I think Lewis was trying to force Max to go straight at Turn 1. Max didn't do that, stayed on the outside and then it isn't possible to take Turn 2 on the inside. They both did what they had to do. It was a typical manoeuvre at the first chicane, only the outcome was unfortunate."
Ralf Schumacher
"I think it was a racing accident. I don't think anyone drove into the other on purpose, because no driver does that. Max was still trying to take the corner instead of going straight."
Pedro de la Rosa
"What an escape thanks to the Halo! I have watched the incident 100 times and it is hard to think it is anything other than a 50/50 racing incident. There is no one to blame. It was two gladiators fighting for every inch."
Martin Brundle
"Red Bull will always defend Max and I'm sure Mercedes will try to get Max some kind of grid penalty for the Russian GP. Personally, I don't think anyone will be blamed." Brundle's comments came prior to Verstappen's penalty being announced.
Damon Hill
"When I look at the replay of Turn 1 there was no way for Max to succeed in his plan. He should have swerved, as Lewis did at the second chicane in order to avoid an accident. The only conclusion is that perhaps he thought, 'I have to take him out'. Now I don't want to think that of any driver, but it was either an error in judgement or a calculated move to collide with Lewis."
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