Ralf Schumacher doesn't think Max Verstappen's penalty for colliding with Lewis Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix is justified, stating that the FIA have treated the Dutchman and Red Bull harshly. Verstappen will start the Russian GP with a three-place grid penalty after the stewards felt he was predominately to blame for the coming together , something Schumacher disagrees with. "I think Max's penalty isn't justified," Schumacher told Sky Sport Germany. "Both rivals fought very hard. Verstappen wanted to take the corner but didn't get any space because Lewis didn't let him. Hamilton didn't want to give up an inch because he didn't want to give up his position. "[Hamilton] knew he would have lost even more points to Max because of this and they crashed. For me, it's a classic example of a racing incident. "The FIA have been very strict with Red Bull and Verstappen. This three-place penalty isn't insurmountable, even though it is difficult to overtake in Russia. That's the advantage for Hamilton." Verstappen leads Hamilton by five points in the Drivers' standings, while Mercedes hold an 18-point advantage over Red Bull in the Constructors' battle.
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