“Stupid to think that the collision was deliberate”: the reactions from the top 3 at Silverstone!

Sebastian Vettel dismissed any idea of a Hamilton-Räikkönen collision being intentionally caused. The Briton and the Finn also expressed their views on the major event of the race, which occurred in the third corner of the first lap.

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The new version of the Silverstone circuit did not necessarily suit Sebastian Vettel. Already a winner in 2009 on the old layout, the Scuderia Ferrari driver hit the jackpot in the race this time. The German fought for victory on the track after initially yielding the lead to Bottas during the first safety car intervention to switch to new soft tires. The Finn from Mercedes resisted him for a few laps before Vettel found an opening on the 47th lap. Delighted to triumph on enemy turf, Vettel, however, brushed off journalists’ questions about a supposed intentional maneuver by Räikkönen at the start.

First: Sebastian Vettel

“It’s stupid to think that this action was deliberate,” Vettel responded curtly at the post-race press conference. “There was no intention on Kimi’s part to do that, it’s not even worth discussing.”

The winner then reflected on the incredible scenario of this Grand Prix at Silverstone, and his decisive overtaking. “Obviously, the safety car periods spiced things up. I think I surprised Valtteri. I decided on my maneuver at the last moment, but it worked. I am very happy.”

The former Red Bull driver won with a large bandage on his neck, after suffering a minor cervical injury from bouncing on a kerb during FP3. A big thank you to my team for getting me back on track after my injury. With the adrenaline, I had no problem today.

Second: Lewis Hamilton

The Briton did not win his race of the season, but the Mercedes driver is still the center of attention. Hit at the start by Räikkönen after a poor impulse, the four-time world champion never gave up, executing multiple overtakes. However, he could not join the battle for victory at the end of the race, helpless against Vettel’s offense on Bottas. Nevertheless, he did overtake his teammate at the end, fairly and without team orders.

“I’m sorry for the crowd,” said Hamilton on the podium. “It’s the best race of the year and the best crowd. Coming back from the rear to finish in second place is still something huge.”

Touched upon arrival, Lewis Hamilton immediately headed to the cool-room upon getting out of his car, without stopping at Martin Brundle’s microphone for the interview. With a tense expression, his attitude during the press conference conveyed intense anger, referring to the previous Vettel-Bottas collision at the first corner of the French Grand Prix.

What I would like to say is that it’s already been twice in three races that a Ferrari takes out a Mercedes. Valtteri has already lost in this situation not long ago. But I have no problem with Kimi, the English champion wanted to clarify. Lewis Hamilton’s frustration also extended to his team’s strategy, which left him on track during the first safety car intervention.

« They had an interesting tactic » he stated ironically on the subject. « But we will do everything necessary to beat Ferrari and improve in the next races. We have lost a lot of points with Valtteri in the last two races. But we will keep pushing hard. Believe me, I won’t give up! »

Third: Kimi Räikkönen

In the eye of the storm for his maneuver at the start, the Finn still delivered another solid race, despite a ten-second penalty served during his pit stop.

It’s my fault! I locked up my wheels and couldn’t avoid Lewis. I deserved that penalty, immediately clarified “Iceman,” booed on the podium by the Silverstone crowd. It wasn’t a clear race. I took the 10 seconds and then fought on the track. I tried. Paradoxically, this eventful Grand Prix allowed him to widen the gap a bit more over Bottas and the two Red Bull drivers. Threatened for 2019, Räikkönen still contributes to Ferrari’s first place among the constructors.

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