Hamilton’s advice to Verstappen: “You had more to lose than he did”

© Wolfgang Wilhelm for Daimler AG

Back in 2018, after race leader Max Verstappen was involved in a collision with Esteban Ocon, who was tyring to unlap himself, Lewis Hamilton offered some advice that could have helped Max in 2021.

At the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was leading the race when Esteban Ocon, who was a backmarker at the time, tried to overtake him to unlap himself.

This led to a collision and both drivers spinning. Lewis Hamilton then managed to take the lead and ultimately win the race. Ocon received a 10-second penalty, and after the race Verstappen physically attacked him. For this Max was given community service by the FIA.

However, an interesting thing happened in the Cooldown Room after the race, while second-placed Verstappen was explaining to third-placed Kimi Raikkonen what had happened between him an Ocon.

While Max was explaining how the collision happened, Lewis provided him with a bit of wisdom that could have helped him during their battle at the 2021 British Grand Prix.


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“But he is allowed to unlap himself,” Lewis said.

” Yeah, yeah, I know,” Verstappen said.

“But, I mean, you can’t crash into the leader, can you? Who’s not doing anything crazy?” he proceeded to ask.

“You had more to lose than he did,” Lewis replied.

“He had nothing to lose, and you had it all.”

This is invaluable advice that could have helped Max when he was battling Hamilton at Silverstone. Max had a 32 points lead over Lewis in the championship, and it would have been wise for him to concede the position, because at that point he had more to lose.

Even if he finished in P2, behind Lewis, his lead would still remain significat. Lewis at that point had to go for it, as the points deficit was getting too great. We all know what happened after Max decided to defend until the very end. He ended up in the barrier, and now he is no longer at the top of the championship standings.

Not getting into who was at fault for the crash, it would have been wise for Max to back down and live on to fight another day. Of course this advice can still help Max, if he decides to listen.

You can watch the full interaction below.



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