Lewis Hamilton speaks out after clashing with Max Verstappen during Brazilian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were at it once again during the Brazilian Grand Prix.

After a dramatic start that resulted in the safety car coming out after just one lap due to a collision between Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen. Hamilton and rival Verstappen stole the headlines not long after the restart.

In lap six, Hamilton and Verstappen went wheel to wheel and the Dutchman collided with the Brit’s Mercedes, leaving Verstappen with a damaged front wing.

Shortly after the incident, Verstappen blamed Hamilton over his team radio, he said: “He left me no space.” Whilst Hamilton said: “That was no racing incident, mate.”

However, the FIA thought differently and handed Verstappen a five-second penalty, which ultimately cost the champion his race.

Hamilton eventually finished second, behind teammate George Russell who achieved his maiden Formula One victory after an impressive drive.

After the race, Hamilton was asked about his collision with Verstappen. The seven-time world champion said: “What can I say, you know how it is with Max.

“Big thank you to everyone in Brazil. I’ve had one of the best weeks of my life with how everyone’s accepted me here so excited to come back again.”

Verstappen came into criticism towards the end of the race after he refused team orders to let teammate Sergio Perez pass, having been let through by the Mexican with the promise that Perez would get the place back if Verstappen failed to catch the car in front.

Perez said after the race: “I was told to let him by and that I was going to get back the position. I don't know what the complications were on his side.

“No idea, maybe you should ask him about it. Nothing to say really. After all I have done for him, it is a bit disappointing, to be honest. I am really surprised.”

Whilst Verstappen said: “I have my reasons for that. We just discussed that.

“I think it was good that we finally just sat together and talked about it and basically just move forward from here.”

Next weekend, the F1 season will draw to a close after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Perez is in a tight battle for second place in the drivers’ standings with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.