Formula 1 boss Ross Brawn has given his view on the incident between title challengers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix, feeling that "no dramatic risks" were taken. Verstappen and Hamilton battled for the lead in the closing stages of Sunday's race at Interlagos, with the Mercedes driver getting a run on his Red Bull rival along the straight between Turns 3 and 4. After Verstappen appeared to force Hamilton off the track, the incident was noted by the stewards, but they ultimately decided that no further action was necessary. Brawn offered his thoughts on the latest moment between the pair in his column for Formula1.com , suggesting that it was firm but fair racing, albeit another battle that is likely to split opinion. "[Hamilton] had a moment with Max, which everyone will have a different perspective on. There were no dramatic risks," wrote Brawn. Hamilton went on to claim victory in the race with a clean overtake several laps later, cutting Verstappen's title lead to 14 points.
Praise for Hamilton
Brawn praised Hamilton for overcoming several setbacks throughout the weekend, having initially been excluded from qualifying over a rear wing issue and then taken a five-place grid penalty for an engine change. "Mercedes had a stunning car this weekend and, when you get someone of Lewis' calibre with a car like that, he's unstoppable," added Brawn. "I've seen Lewis do that several times and it's impressive each time. He dealt with the setbacks of an engine change and his disqualification from qualifying clinically and it was by far the performance of the weekend." He added: "Racing drivers are brought up dealing with these challenges. From the beginning they get in a car, they know the way it works, they know the way the rules are. "They must get used to the setbacks not all under their control. They can turn negatives into positives – and Lewis did just that this weekend."
"The stage is set" for title showdown
Brawn is now looking forward to seeing how the title fight develops at the remaining three rounds of the season. "We're seeing a titanic battle for this year's two championships, and the race in Brazil was just another twist in an engrossing tale," he wrote. "Mercedes had the edge this weekend, but it could swing back into Red Bull's favour next time. It's been fantastic. No one knows what will happen next. "We've got two new venues to visit in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, before heading to the finale in Abu Dhabi where the circuit has had a series of modifications. The stage is set."
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