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Daniel Ricciardo has said that Max Verstappen was simply "too greedy" when overtaking Lewis Hamilton at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend. Verstappen attempted a move up the inside of Hamilton into the first turn, but the two ended up making contact.
The hit ultimately ended Verstappen's race, who was vocal after the Grand Prix, pinning the blame on Hamilton. But Ricciardo said on Thursday in Shanghai that Verstappen was the driver at fault, claiming it reminded him of an incident with Nico Roberg in 2015.
"I'll be honest," said Ricciardo. "It didn't deserve a penalty so that was fine. But it reminded me a little bit of me and Rosberg in Budapest where he kept coming and I was on the exit kerb and had nowhere else to go.
"I think Max had the move already, I just don't think he needed to run all the way to the kerb. I think regardless Max would have stayed ahead, he was just a little too greedy."
Hamilton sais that he had already given up at attempting to hold his Silver Arrow in combat, and Ricciardo agreed, saying there wasn't much more the Briton could have done: "I heard some people say Lewis could have lifted but you're there, unless he turned off the track or braked…it's easier said than done," he said.
"Lewis was so tight [to the outside of the track] as well, he wasn't going to make Turn 2 with any form of speed. Even if Max had hung around the outside, I just think Max would have had him regardless. He squeezed him a little too much in my opinion."
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (7)
Login to replyPatentprutser
Posts: 388
Agree he could left more room, as Lewis did not need to turn in at that moment, he still had room to wait 2 tenth of a second and nothing would have gone wrong. The moment of overtaking was the wright one. He got it pinned.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
Hamilton apologised to Verstappen when they got to China, they shook hands - all done and dusted. Hoping to see much more attacks on and overtaking of the Mercs this season!
F1_IS_Dead
Posts: 123
What a backstabber. He takes every opportunity to blame Verstappen. He acts like Max was the cause of his mechanical issue. Why can't he just shut up? Mercedes doesn't need him anyway, they already have Bottas.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
That's a new one Ricciardo trying to get under Max his skin? Hmm he should know better and focus on outqualifying him. I like RIC and I am unsure what he's trying to achieve with this apart from maybe saying that he's better somehow the Max.
It really an indication that he's moving team. Ferrari seems to be him next team.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think people are reading into it too much. This isnt backstabbing, or Ricciardo trying to do a Hammy (meaning, weaponizing media). He is far too nice for that, and so far there hasnt been a need for that. He has in all honesty been more impressive than Verstappen so far this season. Nay, this is just him expressing whats obvious: Max made a rough move, Hammy stuck to his position, and an incident happened. It isnt trashtalk or "backstabbing", 'tis just a very neutral opinion.
2GRX7
Posts: 108
CALLE.ITW, I need to buy you a beer! As an Anti-Hammy guy, you're getting seriously objective!
Not to sound condescending (CAUSE IT WILL), some of you guys get mad at Hamilton for his driving, but you never account for the racing line for each track and where you would place the car on the track.
That first turn "hairpin" was a compromised corner where you don't track out all the way to the other side like Verstappen did when pushing Ham wide. If you have Sky coverage, their camera clearly showed what initially looked like an Alonso/Verstappen accident was about to happen only to see Alonso (and other racers) stay close to driver's right-side of the track.It sets them up to carry higher speeds through the upcoming straight.
Had Hamiltons' wing gotten destroyed in that clash, I could guarantee Verstappen would have gotten a penalty. The only thing Verstappen had to endure was a dressing down in the garage once he got back there.
You can argue Hamilton's personality, that's a subjective topic based off of your personal up-bringing and beliefs, but his race-craft is solid-not perfect, but solid.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Me? Objective? That must be the joke of the day! I'd laugh if I had a mouth to laugh with, but you will have to settle with seeing shaking teeth and lid-less eye rolling. I'll have a Guiness, please!