Lewis Hamilton has dismissed Max Verstappen's call for a penalty following their on-track tussles during the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. The pair renewed their rivalry with two close fights that thrilled fans but resulted in no action from stewards.
Hamilton held off Verstappen on lap 11 before losing position on lap 22. Verstappen dived ahead at Turn 3 in the first encounter, but Hamilton fought back and forced the Red Bull driver onto the gravel at Turn 6. Verstappen radioed for a penalty, yet stewards took no action.
When informed of the request, Hamilton said: “He went off the outside. You don't expect to go around the outside of a champion. I wouldn't expect to go around the outside of him there and hold the line. So he was behind at the apex and therefore he should have backed out, but he didn't. I left him just enough room.”
Verstappen later noted the battles cost time while chasing leader George Russell. Hamilton finished fifth, 26 seconds behind winner Russell, and described the result as “a reality check” for Ferrari after its recent win in Barcelona. Fans on social media praised the exchanges, with comments calling the fight “the most beautiful thing” and expressing hope for another title duel.
Hamilton also highlighted Red Bull's upgrades, estimating a three-to-four-tenths improvement that he said will make the team competitive in upcoming races.
