Clash Hamilton Verstappen: “I hope you will never be my team principal”
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both spoke about Romain Grosjean's accident on Sunday at the end of the day, after the race. It is clear that their opinions differ.
Accustomed to exchanging blow for blow on the track, our two protagonists this time engaged in a … verbal joust.
Talented on the track, Max Verstappen is, however, not known for his patience or calmness, as evidenced by his altercation with Esteban Ocon during the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2018.
When questioned about Romain Grosjean’s accident and any possible apprehension about getting back on track, Max Verstappen was nothing short of direct:
« I don’t see why we wouldn’t want to race again. If I were the boss of a Formula 1 team and the driver refused to race, I would sack him on the spot! I would tell him: well, you will never sit in the car again. »
Attending these remarks, Lewis Hamilton, present in F1 for 14 seasons, then replied: “I hope you never become my team principal.” To which the Dutchman retorted: “I hope I never become a team principal anyway.”
The seven-time British world champion ended the debate by responding sharply: “I’m sorry, I feel sorry for whoever your driver will be in the future.” While adding: “Goodness, he has a wife and children (Editor’s note: Romain Grosjean), it’s something he’ll certainly have to think about seriously because it’s a privilege to be able to do what we do, but there is also so much life and so many other things to do beyond.”
The showdown between these two men, however, will not take place on the track this weekend as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have announced his withdrawal from the Sakhir Grand Prix due to a positive Covid test.
