Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were seen shaking hands as they greeted fans on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Chinese GP in Shanghai.
The world champion later revealed it was he that approached the Red Bull driver when they crossed paths and make the gesture as a sign of “respect” and to ensure there were no hard feelings left from their incident in Bahrain last Sunday.
After Verstappen was forced to retire after the pair made light contact at the start of Lap 2, some harsh words have been said with Hamilton caught calling the Dutchman a “d***head” in the cool down after the race and later suggesting his immaturity was costing Red Bull.
“It is quite simple and easy to blame the younger driver,” the 20-year-old said when asked about the incident in the press conference.
Also Read:
- Hamilton & Verstappen hit out at each other over Bahrain clash
- Mercedes boss Wolff reveals surprise names as possible future Hamilton replacement
“That’s the only way I can see it but these things happen and there is no reason to change anything, I was just trying to overtake a car.
“I think it was a fair chance and I went for it and for example last year in Mexico, it could have gone wrong there as well.
“It’s racing. It’s very simple and I really don’t understand why everyone is so on top of this topic. These things happen in racing.”
At the time, Verstappen said he “might” talk to Hamilton should he come into contact with the Mercedes driver and it was on the grid later when that moment occurred.
“Being that I’m the older driver I felt that it was important that I went to him,” said the 33-year-old.
“I just shook his hand and I was like, ‘Look I’m sorry about the last race.’ Regardless if it is his fault or my fault, it’s in the past. Hopefully, that sign of respect shows a lot and helps you turn the page and move forwards.”