Max loses it as Hamilton wins Brazilian GP

DUTCH DRIVER Max Verstappen was accused of trying to punch French rival Esteban Ocon after a controversial clash at yesterday’s Brazilian Grand Prix which was won by fivetime world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull star Verstappen was seen on TV pushing Force India’s Ocon three times and accused of threatening to hit him, after the pair had collided on track.

The collision on lap 44 of the 71-lap race at Interlagos’ famed Senna S curves cost Verstappen the race and he had to settle for second place.

The livid Dutchman, 21, had earlier said he did not see the Frenchman in the paddock after the race, but made no effort to avoid him in the drivers’ weighing room where he walked straight at him.

“We were at the scales room,” said Ocon. “He wanted to punch me. He pushed me and he was wanting to be violent. It was not professional.”

Ocon added that his rivalry with Verstappen “goes back a few years” and said he “has always been the same”.

Verstappen swore so much on team radio that his comments bleeped out after he described him as an “idiot”.

Ocon was given a 10-second stop-go penalty by the race stewards for causing the collision.

A video clip of the post-race incident went viral soon afterwards but Verstappen said he had no regrets.

“He came out of the pit lane and he had the right to overtake, but the level of risk he was taking, it was not right,” he explained.

Asked about confronting and pushing Ocon, he said: “We are all passionate about the sport, but it would be odd if I shook his hand. I don’t care what people say.

Verstappen was ordered by the FIA to perform “two days of public service” as punishment for the incident.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old Hamilton took advantage of the collision that cost Verstappen the lead in the closing stages to regain the initiative and then hang on with worn tyres as the Red Bull came home second.

Hamilton and his Mercedes team swapped tributes after the five-time champion’s victory sealed another F1 “double” and their fifth consecutive constructors title.

“These guys have worked so hard over the past six years,” he said. “It’s been an incredible journey. This is what we’ve worked for – every single day.

“I’ve always said it’s such an honour to drive for them. We were a sitting duck at one stage.

“We were having problems with the engine. I just want to thank everyone. The team give me the tools and I do the best I can.

Hamilton’s race engineer Pete Bonnington said: “It’s been the best championship yet. It’s been fantastic given how competitive it’s been. It’s been an awesome year. Lewis has driven perfectly. He always wants to win.” – AFP