TWO INTO ONE WON’T GO: HOW RIVALS HAVE BATTLED FOR EVERY INCH

The tussle for the drivers’ title is on a knife-edge after Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the fiery Saudi Arabian Grand Prix left the seven-time champion locked on points with Max Verstappen. But it was not the first time a racing incident between the rivals has grabbed the headlines this season. Here, Express Sport looks at three previous clashes:

SILVERSTONE

Verstappen held a 33-point lead in the drivers’ championship ahead of the British Grand Prix, but crashed into the barriers at high speed after being hit by Hamilton. The Mercedes driver was deemed to be at fault but was handed just a 10-second penalty – much to Red Bull’s frustration. Hamilton won the race and further angered Verstappen with his celebrations while the Dutchman was taken to hospital. “That’s what I found really disrespectful, and in a way it shows how they really are,” Verstappen said.

MONZA

Verstappen had won back-to-back races, holding a five-point lead before the pair came together at Monza. The Dutchman drew alongside his rival at the Variante del Rettifilo, ran out of room and went over the kerb, launching his Red Bull out of control. The rear of the airborne car ran over the top of Hamilton’s helmet, with the protective halo device absorbing the impact. “I feel very fortunate today,” said Hamilton. “Thank God for the halo, which saved me.” Verstappen was handed a three-place grid penalty for the next race.

BRAZIL

Hamilton was dropped to the back of the grid in sprint qualifying for a technical infringement but found extraordinary pace from his Mercedes, first in the qualifying and then breezing through the field to claim victory in the main race after starting 10th. The big flashpoint came as he tried to pass Verstappen, with both cars ending up off the road as Hamilton claimed his rival had forced him off. The stewards did not agree and allowed the race to go on. Mercedes were denied the right to appeal, further fuelling tensions.