Verstappen VS Hamilton: 2021 Encounters
Verstappen VS Hamilton: 2021 Encounters
It was billed as ‘the greatest’ championship battle in F1 history as two generational drivers went head-to-head, race after race, lap by lap. However, it will forever be remembered for the hugely controversial decision in the final few laps of the last race – and sadly it was not just the ending! The whole season was littered with questionable decision making on how F1 drivers should act, i.e., drive. Most of this revolved around either Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton.
2021 was the season which embraced the ‘Let them race philosophy’ championed by the teams, having told the FIA the Championships must be decided by the drivers, not the stewards. Unfortunately, as every F1 fan knows, the stewards ruled in their favour!
Verstappen vs Hamilton: 2021 Track Encounters
The let them race philosophy morphed into let them sort it out on the track but what it meant was let’s hope they can sort it out on the track evolved into a Wild West free for all favouring a certain style of ‘driving’. In other words, if no one gets hurt, we will just turn a blind eye.
Unsurprising, the Race Director was replaced following the very controversial season ending. But did the Race Director do a good enough job before the final intervention?
This article will analyse fourteen incidents that saw Verstappen and Hamilton go side-by-side, often either making contact with each other or with one of them leaving the track. Stating the obvious, the FIA has two main duties to the drivers: safety and fairness. Whilst this article is predominately about the later, they are inextricable linked as allowing dangerous driving puts a driver at risk and no driver should have to avoid a collision with the other driver deemed to be doing nothing wrong.
What’s the criteria for judging who was at fault?
The FIA’ rulebook is poor. Very poor. The are no rules for how drivers treat other drivers racing around a corner. This article suggests two rules need to be added to determine whether a driver is entitled to space around the corner. These rules would promote more racing. Yes, that’s right: more rules would mean more racing. They would allow cars to race side-by-side for longer and, possibly, through multiple corners, instead of a driver being bullied off the track and the side-by-side action stops. The rules below apply to the attacking car and whether the attacking car has done enough to earn space around the corner.
Rule 1: Had at least ½ a car’s length alongside when lead car starts to break [not on full throttle].
To be clear, lead car means the car that is ahead on track at the time. This could be the attacking or defending car. Now, provided that the attacking car maintains Rule 1 during the braking zone and at the point when the lead car turns in (which could be either car), the [attacking] car is entitled to space around the corner.
Rule 2: Had front wing at least alongside front tyre when lead car turns in.
The purpose of this rule is to factor in the differences in performance in the braking zone, i.e., a second chance to claim space around the corner. This may be due to being on different tyres, fresher tyres or driver/car advantage. See below for illustrations of the rules covering certain / all scenarios.
To note, the defending car must be completely overtaken, i.e., a full car’s length behind, to lose the right to space around the corner. If the defending car has been deemed to be completely overtaken, the rules/roles would then be flipped as the defending car would then become the attacking car (the car behind) and subject to the two new rules. Furthermore, the two new rules apply regardless of the car’s line, i.e., racing line or not. Finally, this article only used video footage aired from the TV broadcasters – more data would have been welcomed.
Clear, robust rules for overtaking is only one of many ways to improve the wheel-to-wheel racing in F1.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 1 – Bahrain GP
Racing Context
The season opener saw Verstappen on Pole with Hamilton alongside him on the front row. Hamilton attempted the undercut on Verstappen on Lap 14, forcing Verstappen to stay out and go longer and losing the lead when pitted. On Lap 40, Verstappen pitted for the third and final time, relinquishing the lead to Hamilton again. Both drivers were on the white (C2) tyre, with Verstappen’s tyres 11 laps younger than Hamilton’s. Verstappen caught Hamilton on Lap 53 of a 56-lap race.
In a nutshell
Hamilton applied pressure on Verstappen who was in too much of a hurry to complete the overtake, causing himself to carry too much speed and run wide. Verstappen asked to give the position back by the stewards. Correct decision.
But it’s Verstappen’s corner?
No. The 100 m board is circled in yellow [above], and whilst Turn 4 is not a heavy breaking zone, Verstappen’s onboard appears to show him breaking [not on full throttle] around the 100 m board at which point Hamilton was still at least ½ a car’s length alongside. Through the breaking zone, Verstappen would be expected to gain an advantage due to 11-lap fresher tyres as well as being on the racing line, thus gaining [distance] in the breaking zone. On the image above, it does appear that Hamilton is significantly behind Verstappen, however, Hamilton does not go a full car’s length behind and thus has not lost the right to space around the corner. Verstappen has met Rule 1 and at least maintained his position, thus also earning the right for space around the corner [Scenario 1].
Verstappen was too keen
The exit of Turn 4 is long due to the track widening (and then tightening). Image 4 above shows that Verstappen has a significant lead on the exit of the corner [more than ½ a car’s length]. If Verstappen was able to stay on track, then Hamilton would need to either concede the position or reduce speed for Verstappen to have space on the outside of the exit.
But Hamilton forced Verstappen off?
Verstappen needed to stay closer to the left-hand side of Hamilton. If Verstappen did this, he would have had a stronger case, demonstrating that he could not take a tighter line due to Hamilton being there. As mentioned earlier, if Verstappen did take a tighter line, then Hamilton would have had a decision to make. It appears Verstappen was too keen to overtake Hamilton and as a result either misjudged his corner speed (for the line) subsequently running wide or was put off by the thought of contact and gave too much room.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 2 – Emilia Romagna GP
Racing Context
In the second race of the season, Hamilton started on pole with Perez 2nd and Verstappen 3rd. Both Red Bull cars started slightly better than Hamilton who went to the right slightly to defend against Perez. This left room down the left-hand side which Verstappen took. They were pretty much neck and neck going into the first corner. To note, it had been predicted that overtaking was going to be difficult so as always, the first lap / corner does have a significant impact on the race outcome.
In a nutshell
Both cars had the right to space around the corner. Hamilton gave space at the apex, but Verstappen left no room on the exit. Hamilton used all the space given and there was slight contact between the two cars. Verstappen forced another driver off the track and should have given the place back before a specified corner and given a 5-second timed penalty.
The FIA did not even investigate the incident which highlighted the very weak officiating F1 fans are continually subjected to. This no doubt set the tone for the season in that officials were ‘scared’ to officiate.
Nobody owned the corner.
Entering the braking zone, Verstappen was marginally ahead. At turn in, it was actually Hamilton who was marginally ahead (risked more under braking). At no point did one driver ‘own’ the corner, thus, each driver had to give room around the corner [Scenario 1]. Hamilton had to give the apex to Verstappen, whilst in turn would receive the exit from Verstappen. As it was a chicane these roles would have reversed through the second corner. To be clear, nobody owned the corner means that no driver had the right to the racing line throughout the corner.
But, penalties ruin racing.
Absolutely not. If the FIA implemented the rules and the drivers adhered to them, then Hamilton and Verstappen would have continued to race side-by-side throughout the corner and the next one (it was a chicane) and most likely all the way down the next straight, with the possibility of still racing side-by-side through the next corner. As it was/is currently, wheel-to-wheel racing is often cut short by one or both drivers driving dangerously, i.e., forcing another one off the track or to back out.
But, Hamilton carried too much speed
First, Hamilton took all the available space – there was even contact in the outside [Hamilton’s] lane. Second, Hamilton had full control of his car, no locking up and was able to maintain a steering angle that would have made the corner. In the image above, Hamilton had to take avoiding action and had to open his steering [orange line] quite significantly.
But Verstappen had the racing line?
Hamilton [the defending car] did not lose his right to space around the corner. It doesn’t even matter that the defending car [Hamilton] was on the racing line, Scenario 1 was met. They were literally side-by-side entering both the braking zone and at turn in. What do you expect the lead/defending car to do, give up and concede the place on the premise that the attacking car pulls alongside the defending car in the breaking zone? No! We would then barely have any racing around corners.
Race Control
Two significant issues need to be raised. First, it was only on Lap 10 Race Control informed that no investigation necessary. Second, this was the second race, and to allow another driver, let only the two title protagonists, to force off the other is poor. A particular analogy comes to mind, that of a primary school teacher allowing a child to shout out in class in the first two minutes of the lesson and expecting the child not to shout out again throughout the whole lesson.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 3 – Portugal GP
Racing Context
The Grid positions of Bottas, Hamilton and Verstappen remained for the opening laps. After a virtual safety car restart on Lap 7, Hamilton moved to the inside to defend against Verstappen. This allowed Verstappen to gain a toe from Bottas and pull alongside Hamilton going into the braking zone.
In a nutshell
This was all fine, no action needed. It is included as one of the few, if not only time, they went side-by-side into a corner and no foul was committed.
Clean racing anyone…
At turn-in [1], Verstappen has gained a little more on Hamilton. This would be expected as his carry-over speed from the straight was much greater and he is on the racing line with grip. Through the apex, Verstappen gives Hamilton room, and has gained more distance. At the beginning of the exit of the corner [4], Verstappen is nearly a whole car’s length ahead of Hamilton. When they are both on the exit curb [ 5], Hamilton is directly behind Verstappen.
If Hamilton had kept any part of his car alongside Verstappen’s when he [Hamilton] was on the curb, then he would be guilty of either forcing another driver off or causing a collision if Verstappen had taken the same line. However, due to Hamilton knowing (or guessing) he was going to be behind by the time they arrived on the exit curb, he was not concerned with running wide as Verstappen was not alongside him.
More racing.
Hamilton retook 2nd position with an overtake on Verstappen into Turn 1 on Lap 11. He then had to defend that position into the following corner, Turn 3.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 4 – Spain (Barcelona) GP
Racing Context
Hamilton was leading the Championship by 8 points after the first 3 races. Hamilton started on pole, alongside Verstappen with a long run to turn one awaiting. Verstappen got a marginally better start but still tucked up behind Hamilton briefly for a quick slip stream effect. Heading towards the first corner, Hamilton maintained the outside racing line allowing Verstappen to challenge him up on the inside.
In a nutshell
Hamilton was entitled to space around the corner and had to take avoiding action to prevent a collision. Verstappen should have given Hamilton space but left no room.
But Verstappen did not earn the right to some space?
Hamilton and Verstappen both turned in around the 50 m marker board (100 m board circled in yellow in previous image). Based on the onboards shown above and on this article’s criteria, the two new rules, it is not clear whether Verstappen had actually earned the right to some space around the corner. With it being so close, the lead car [Hamilton] ought to leave space at the apex just in case the inside car believes they are entitled to space due to the fine margins. Hamilton did this.
But Hamilton just lost the corner
No. Hamilton had to open out his steering [avoiding action] quite significantly to avoid a collision. This is evident from the images below showing his steering angle throughout the corner. Hamilton did not have any more room to use and by opening out his steering, he made sure they didn’t crash.
More racing.
Hamilton retook the lead on Lap 60, overtaking Verstappen into Turn 1.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 5 – Silverstone GP
Racing Context
Verstappen started on Pole with Hamilton alongside him. Hamilton had gotten the better start and challenged Verstappen into the first corner. Verstappen came out ahead, but the battle continued, with Hamilton leading into Turn 6 [Brooklands]. Hamilton allowed Verstappen to dive down the inside and preceded to attack Verstappen down the old back straight. Hamilton pulled alongside Verstappen going into Turn 9 [Copse].
In a nutshell
The Stewards stated, “Car 44 was on a line that did not reach the apex of the corner, with room available on the inside…Car 44 is judged to predominantly at fault.” Hamilton was likely to struggle to give enough space on the outside throughout the corner but because the contact happened way before the apex, it is unclear whose fault it was and therefore a racing incident (on video footage alone). If Verstappen had given a little more room and the contact happened another 10 meters or so into the corner, then Hamilton would be predominantly at fault.
But Hamilton just understeered into Verstappen
From the onboard, it did appear that Hamilton’s car was struggling to respond to his steering angle. This would make sense as Hamilton as he picked up some dirt overtaking Verstappen on the right-most side of the track as well as going into the corner at a tight angle. Entering the corner, Hamilton does appear to reduce his speed as they went almost side-by-side to nearly a whole car’s length at the point of contact.
Hamilton’s car was unsettled by the contact
The sequence of images below shows that Hamilton’s car was unsettled after the contact. He had to open out his steering out quite significantly causing him to run wide.
But Hamilton didn’t reach the apex
Comparing the images [1] and [2] above, it does appear that Hamilton was not as close to the kerb as Leclerc was. First, this is only comparing one other car. Second, it must be pointed out that the image of Leclerc’s car is several meters ahead of Hamilton’s car, thus would have been a little bit further away from the curb if it was a few milliseconds earlier. Third, the difference appears to be about half a meter (video analysis only), and thus, is that the telemetry that the Stewards used to judge Lewis not reaching the apex and being predominantly to blame?
Just to reiterate: Hamilton would have struggled to make the tight [inside] line throughout the corner due to his narrow entry and slightly dirty tyres. If Verstappen had given a bit more space at the entry of the corner, the question would have been fully asked: can Hamilton make the corner, keeping to the inside? But, because the contact happened way before the apex, Hamilton was never asked the question. It is also unclear which cornering lane the contact happened without more data.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 6 – Monza GP (Part 1)
Racing Context
Verstappen on pole alongside Riccardo with Hamilton starting fourth. Coming out of the first corners (chicane) Verstappen lost a place and Hamilton gained a place, putting Hamilton directly behind Verstappen. Hamilton’s clean exit and the powerful slipstream around the Curva Grande (Turn 3) forced Verstappen to defend the inside Hamilton pulling alongside going into the chicane Turns 4 and 5. Also to note, this was the race following Silverstone in which they collided on the first lap.
In a nutshell
Hamilton was entitled to space on the exit of the corner but Verstappen ran wide. Hamilton had to take avoiding action. Dangerous driving by Verstappen.
But Verstappen owned the corner
The breaking board circled in yellow is the 50 m board. When looking at an onboard camera it appears they start to break [lift] around the 100 m board, however this is the earliest bird’s eye view that was available. Apologies for the quality of the photo above. The onboard with Hamilton clearly shows them side-by-side when entering the breaking zone and at least maintaining it at the point of turn-in, thus both cars are entitled to space around the whole corner.
Hamilton was entitled to space [Scenario 1]. In fact, Hamilton was completely alongside Verstappen on the racing line, how can a driver not be entitled to space? If a driver is allowed to force another driver off – especially on Lap 1 – then this puts a stop to racing, the exact deliverable the Race Director believes he is fostering by not intervening.
Verstappen forces off Hamilton
On the images above, Verstappen completely missed the apex [2] and did not leave any room on the exit of the corner [3].
But Hamilton locked up
He did. But that was after contact and realising he needed to back out. He was currently projected to go over curbs about 15 metres ahead and needed to protect and control his car.
To note, Hamilton passed Norris later in the race on the same corner on the outside. This time Norris gave room.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 7 – Monza GP (Part 2)
Racing Context
Verstappen pitted on Lap 24 to overcut Ricciardo but an 11.1 second pit stop derailed the attempt and brought him back out in 10th position. On Lap 26, Hamilton pitted as Verstappen was now outside his pit window – just! However, Hamilton’s stop of 4.2 seconds put Hamilton back on track closer to Verstappen than Mercedes – and Hamilton – had intended.
Remember, they have already brushed tyres on the first lap of this race and this was the race after their Silverstone incident.
In a nutshell
Verstappen was not entitled to space and attempted the overtake too late. Verstappen caused the crash.
But Verstappen was entitled to space
The image above shows Hamilton exiting the pit lane – which is in the braking zone of Turn 1 – significantly ahead of Verstappen. Verstappen is about 25 m behind at this point but would have been even further behind as he started to break before the 150 m board (look at his onboard). Entering the breaking zone, Verstappen was not entitled to space around the corner. At turn-in, image above, Verstappen does not met Rule 2, i.e., he did not have his front wing at least alongside front tyre when lead car [Hamilton] turns in.is front wing at least alongside front tyre when lead car [Hamilton] turns in.
But Verstappen was significantly alongside at the apex
Yes, due to a significant braking performance, Verstappen does get ½ of his car alongside Hamilton’s at the apex. However, when Hamilton was approaching the corner, i.e., braking, or starting to take the corner, i.e., turn-in, Verstappen had not done enough to earn space and must back out.
But Hamilton forced Verstappen off
Despite Hamilton not needing to give space, he actually gave some space on the outside and inside of the next corner. Was it enough room? It does not matter.
After several hours of deliberating, the Race Stewards deemed Verstappen to be at fault as his pass was “attempted too late for him to have the right to racing room”. They also stated that Hamilton, “…was driving an avoiding line, although his position caused Car 33 to go onto the kerb”.
Should there be different rules when cars are leaving the pits? At some point a decision needs to be made whether a car has the right to space or not. At turn-in [Rule 2], this seems like a very reasonably time to draw the line.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 8 – USA GP
Racing Context
Verstappen started on pole alongside Hamilton. Hamilton got the better start and despite Verstappen’s best efforts to cover him, they approached Turn 1 side-by-side on a very tight line.
In a nutshell
Although Verstappen was entitled to space on the exit, it appears that he was more interested in staying in front than on the track. Thus, Verstappen did not make enough of an effort to make the corner and ask the question of Hamilton. Racing incident.
But Hamilton forced Verstappen off
It’s not clear that he did. During the exit of the corner, they was space between the cars. Thus, Verstappen could have turned his steering wheel more in an attempt to make the corner. Also, Verstappen did not have to open up his steering angle which raises two principles. First, Verstappen did not have enough steering angle to make the corner, and second, he was not forced to take avoiding action by opening his steering angle.
Image [4] shows Hamilton taking the kerb on exit. However, two issues call for clarification. First, does the kerb on exit one count as the racing track, if so, Hamilton could argue that room was left, i.e., Verstappen could have kept two of his tyres on the kerb and thus on the track. Second, would have Hamilton left more room, i.e., stayed within the white lines if Verstappen was completely side-by-side?
Verstappen too keen to stay ahead
The images above indicate that Verstappen was more focused on staying ahead of Hamilton than making the corner. Verstappen was trying to re-join the track ahead of Hamilton and had made that decision going through the corner.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 9 – Brazil GP
Racing Context
Hamilton was on a charge. Having qualified on pole on Friday for the Sprint Race was demoted to the back of the grid for breaching DRS rules. Hamilton then fought to 5th place only to be hit with an engine penalty and started Sunday’s GP 10th with Verstappen on pole. Hamilton blasted his way through to second position by Lap 19. In terms of the Championship, Hamilton needed to win the last four races and therefore beating Verstappen was a must.
In a nutshell
Verstappen failed to control his car and make the corner, forcing Hamilton to take avoiding action. Verstappen significantly misjudged the corner and deserved a 10-second timed penalty.
But Verstappen owned the corner
No. He had to give space to Hamilton on the exit of the corner. Hamilton gave Verstappen space at the apex.
Overview of incident
But Verstappen did not dive-bomb
Yes he did. Verstappen gained over a car’s length on Hamilton during turn-in and did not make the corner. Either he had no intention of making the corner, thus forcing Hamilton off the track, or was unable to control his car with the speed he carried into the corner, thus, again, forcing Hamilton off the track. Pick either case, it does not detract from the fact he dive-bombed and failed to maintain control.
The images above show that Verstappen missed the apex of the corner. It was clear half way through the corner that he was not going to make the corner.
Verstappen forced Hamilton off
Images [4] and [5] show Hamilton open his steering out to take avoiding action. Despite Hamilton likely to know that he, and Verstappen, are going to struggle to make the corner, he nevertheless continues to apply as much turning angle as Verstappen allows.
Race director influenced by Red Bull radio message
Immediately following the incident Red Bull jumped to the defence of their driver informing the Race Director, “That is all about letting them race. All about letting them race.” A view shared by the Race Director in the absence of rules supporting ‘fair play’ racing.
Later, Hamilton overtook Verstappen on Lap 59 and won the race.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 10 – Saudi Arabia GP (Part 1)
Racing Context
Hamilton started on pole alongside teammate Bottas with Verstappen starting 3rd. The top 3 maintained their positions for the first 10 laps. On Lap 10, Mick Schumacher crashed causing a safety car with Hamilton and Bottas both pitting, giving Verstappen the lead of the race. Then, on Lap 13, the Race Director issued a red flag, the race was stopped and Verstappen was allowed to change his tyres and maintain the lead. The race restart on Lap 15 saw Verstappen start first and Hamilton start second. Hamilton got a much better start than Verstappen and had overtaken Verstappen before going to Turn 1.
In a nutshell
Verstappen had lost the right to space and left the track under his own will / actions – cutting the corner. Desperate not to let Hamilton get away, Verstappen re-joined the track dangerously, i.e., onto the racing lane, causing Hamilton to take avoiding action.
But Verstappen was pushed wide
No. Verstappen went a full car’s length behind Hamilton [1] meaning Verstappen then became the attacking car. As the attacking car, Verstappen did not meet Rule 1 nor Rule 2, thus he was not entitled to any space on the outside of the corner by Hamilton. This is similar to Verstappen’s overtake attempt on Hamilton in Monza where the stewards agree his pass was “attempted too late for him to have the right to racing room”.
The images above and below illustrate Verstappen diving down the outside under braking and turn-in and was never entitled to space.
But Verstappen had to re-join the track
Verstappen’s intention was clear: to block the path of Hamilton. In the images [2] & [3] below, Verstappen barely has any steering angle despite his car’s trajectory to re-join on the racing line on a turn about 100 degrees. It is only when Verstappen is on the track blocking Hamilton that he starts to apply a steering angle that would make the corner.
Hamilton took avoiding action
Once again, Hamilton had to open up his steering angle significantly to avoid contact with Verstappen. Images [1] and [2] show Hamilton on the racing line with about 90 degrees steering angle. Images [3] & [4] show Verstappen re-joining the track on the racing line. Images [2] to [9] show Hamilton opening up his steering to avoid contact. Hamilton had to open out his steering completely [9] to avoid contact.
Race Director involvement
A red flag was issued shortly after this incident for a crash further down the pack. In a highly unusual manner the Race Director ‘offered’ Red Bull’s Verstappen a penalty. The Race Director said, “I’m going to give you the opportunity based on what occurred at Turn 1 and 2… we would drop you back behind Hamilton…that is my offer.” Red Bull accepted knowing that Hamilton had lost a place to Ocon when taking avoiding action when Verstappen re-joined dangerously. Sky Sports commentator, Martin Brundle, highlighted at the time, “..it’s quite unusual to have a bid… er… we’ll offer you this, do you want to take it or not?”
An erring of judgment perhaps!
To note, on the restart on Lap 17, Ocon, Hamilton and Verstappen went three abreast into Turn 1 with Verstappen coming out of the corner in the lead.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 11 – Saudi Arabia GP (Part 2)
Racing Context
Verstappen had taken the lead on the second restart (Lap 17) but was not able to pull away. After a short virtual safety car, Hamilton closed to within the DRS detention zone going around the final corner, Turn 27. This meant Hamilton had DRS down the pit straight. Hamilton was 7 points behind Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship and a win was vital.
In a nutshell
Verstappen carried too much speed into the corner, lost control of his car and did not make the corner, forcing Hamilton off who was on the outside. Verstappen forced Hamilton off the track.
But they both missed the corner
Well, not exactly. They both left the track, but Hamilton re-joined the track immediately making the apex of corner 2. Hamilton was not left any space on the outside of Turn 1 and had to take avoiding action, i.e., leave the track. Image [12] below shows that Verstappen had lost control of his car by having to correct his oversteer.
Inconsistencies from Race Stewards
Whilst all incidents have their differences, this incident was significantly similar to the Brazil incident. Verstappen, the defending car, carrying too much speed into the corner and failing to make the corner – out of control – and forcing Hamilton who was on the outside to leave the track. Yet, the Race Stewards deemed Verstappen to be wrong here, instructing him to give the place back to Hamilton.
Verstappen vs Hamilton 12 – Saudi Arabia GP (Part 3)
Racing Context
After both cars left the track on Turn 1, Verstappen was told to give the place back to Hamilton. Verstappen’s engineer told him to do it strategically. Mercedes claimed they had not been given enough time to inform Hamilton that Verstappen was going to let him pass on that lap.
In a nutshell
Verstappen wanted to let Hamilton pass just before the DRS detention zone so that he could get DRS against Hamilton down the pit straight. Hamilton was directly behind Verstappen all the way down the straight. Verstappen then applied his brakes forcefully causing Hamilton to hit the back of Verstappen. Hamilton was brake-tested by Verstappen.
Verstappen brake-tested Hamilton
Verstappen put 69 bar of pressure into the brake pedal and a deacceleration force of 2.4g was measured. It must also be noted that as soon as Hamilton hit Verstappen, Verstappen suddenly accelerated away, which further shows Verstappen actions were intentionally.
But Verstappen was not on the racing line
All the way down the straight he was positioned right centre which is pretty much the racing line down the curved straight. Full throttle or not, Verstappen maintained the same line down the whole straight. Hamilton followed directly behind Verstappen down the whole curved straight and Verstappen would have known this. In other words, Verstappen knew Hamilton was directly behind him when he brake-tested Hamilton.
The images below show that Hamilton maintained his position directly behind Verstappen all the way down the curved straight. Hamilton’s steering angle was pretty much straight until he tried to take avoiding action.
Verstappen is a lucky boy
It is reported that if found guilty of brake-testing, the driver will receive not only penalty points on his licence but heavy repercussions in the next race. Verstappen’s 10-second timed penalty that he received after the race for brake-testing Hamilton did not affect Verstappen’s finishing position. Both Verstappen and Hamilton headed to the final race of the season tied on 369.5 points.
Another erring of judgement?
Verstappen vs Hamilton 13 – Saudi Arabia GP (Part 4)
Racing Context
After failing to give Hamilton the position back from going off the track on Turn 1, Verstappen waited another 5 laps to allow Hamilton to pass.
In a nutshell
When a car gives a position back, they cannot gain an advantage in doing so, i.e., follow the car closely into the immediate DRS detention and then use DRS to overtake them. The car has simply not given the position back.
A new rule is needed
Verstappen in effect gave Hamilton the lead for a couple of seconds in the braking zone of Turn 27. He then retook Hamilton at the end of the braking zone whilst still getting DRS [1]. Image [2] then shows Verstappen with DRS ahead of Hamilton despite supposedly giving the place/advantage back to Hamilton going into the corner.
When drivers give the position back strategically, it allows guilty drivers to regain the advantage illegally gained.
But Hamilton forced Verstappen off
On Lap 43, on the third time of asking, Verstappen gives his position to Hamilton. To note, Verstappen did not need to do this as the Race Stewards had just given him a 5-scond timed penalty for the Lap 37 incident (not the brake-testing). Nevertheless, Verstappen tried to do this strategically again, but this time came out of the last corner behind Hamilton but still with DRS. Verstappen went wide of the corner claiming Hamilton had pushed him off the track. The Race Stewards agreeing with Verstappen and Hamilton was told his actions were ‘borderline black and white flag’.
Verstappen was not entitled to space
Image [2] below shows that Hamilton was more than a car’s length ahead and at turn-in Verstappen had not met Rule 2. Thus, Hamilton could take any line he wanted.
Another erring of judgement?
Verstappen vs Hamilton 14 – Abu Dhabi GP
Racing Context
It was the last race of the year, with both drivers on the same number of points and both starting on the front row, with Verstappen starting on pole. Hamilton got a much better start than Verstappen and was over a full car’s length ahead going into the first corner.
In a nutshell
Verstappen was not entitled to space and forced Hamilton off the track. Correct decision by the Race Director.
But Hamilton gained an advantage
Image [1] does show that Hamilton has gained from cutting the corner. However, image [2] shows that Hamilton has reduced his speed and allowed Verstappen to get close again.
Verstappen dive-bombs again
Verstappen had not earned the right to space around the corner and in order to reach the apex or get alongside Hamilton he dive-bombed.
Verstappen did not leave any room on the exit of the corner [9], thus Hamilton had to take avoiding action.
Hamilton takes avoiding action
In the images above, it shows Hamilton had to completely open up his steering – even turning right [9] to [11] – in order to avoid contact with Verstappen.
Conclusion
The Stat Squabble says:
[1] Having well written rules would facilitate more wheel-to-wheel racing. If drivers were given clear rules then fair and dramatic racing would continue for longer and negate the all to frequent occurrences where questionable judgements prevail.
[2] Verstappen’s driving was reckless and dangerous throughout the season and should have attracted far more penalty points eventually resulting in a race ban.
[3] The let them race philosophy should be the let them race fairly and when dangerous driving occurs, the Race Director and Stewards have a duty to uphold sporting integrity as well as driver safety and to intervene. The FIA do not need to make any apologies for their interventions they simply need to apply the rules fairly and consistently. To do this demands a well written rule book.
Do you agree with the Stat Squabble’s two new racing rules? Which incident do you agree / disagree with?
Comment below.
