VERSTAPPEN AND HAMILTON COME WITHIN INCHES OF DISASTER
Max Verstappen has hit out at Lewis Hamilton after the two Formula 1 rivals came dangerously close to a collision during final practice for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The incident unfolded as both drivers prepared for their final flying laps, with Hamilton appearing to move ahead of Verstappen before the pair went wheel-to-wheel along Monza’s famous pit straight.
What initially looked like a tense but controlled battle quickly turned dangerous at the first chicane. Verstappen made a late-braking move down the inside while Hamilton was forced to take avoiding action and cut across the run-off area.
Verstappen immediately made his feelings known over Red Bull team radio.
“He caused that,” the four-time world champion said.
HAMILTON BLAMES VERSTAPPEN TOO
Hamilton did not see the situation the same way.
After the near-miss, the Ferrari driver told his race engineer Carlo Santi that he had been blocked by Verstappen, with Santi confirming that Ferrari had seen the incident.
Neither driver was willing to accept responsibility for what could easily have developed into a major crash.
The timing made the situation even more frustrating because both men were attempting to complete their final preparations before qualifying. Instead, neither was able to finish the planned final lap.
Despite the seriousness of the moment, the FIA stewards ultimately decided that no further action was necessary against either driver.
ANOTHER CHAPTER IN A FIERCE RIVALRY
The incident adds another chapter to the long-running rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton.
Their battles have produced some of Formula 1’s most controversial moments in recent years, meaning even a practice-session confrontation between the pair was always likely to attract significant attention.
Interestingly, Verstappen appeared to acknowledge the spectacle before tensions escalated. On-board footage showed the Red Bull driver giving Hamilton a thumbs-up as the two cars ran alongside each other down the main straight.
Seconds later, however, the mood had completely changed.
That contrast perfectly captured the razor-thin margin between exciting wheel-to-wheel racing and a potentially costly accident at Monza.
VERSTAPPEN THEN DELIVERS A FIAT PUNTO RADIO MESSAGE
The Hamilton incident was not Verstappen’s only frustration during FP3.
Although he recorded the third-fastest time, the Red Bull driver continued to complain about the performance of his car and claimed he was suffering from a lack of power.
His radio exchange with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase produced one of the funniest moments of the weekend.
“Mate I have less power than a Fiat Punto!” Verstappen exclaimed.
The comment underlined Verstappen’s frustration as Red Bull continues to search for performance at a circuit where engine power and straight-line efficiency are critical.
VERSTAPPEN HAS A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY AT MONZA
Despite his complaints, Verstappen remains one of the leading contenders for victory.
The circumstances surrounding championship leader Kimi Antonelli have also opened the door for the Red Bull driver. Antonelli is set to start from the back of the grid after receiving an engine-related penalty, meaning the championship leader faces a major recovery drive.
Verstappen, meanwhile, has the experience and race pace required to exploit any opportunity that presents itself.
Hamilton will also be hoping Ferrari can deliver a breakthrough on home soil, making the Italian Grand Prix particularly important for both drivers.
With the pair already coming close to contact before the race has even begun, Monza could be setting the stage for another fascinating Verstappen-Hamilton battle — and this time, the stakes will be far higher than a practice session.
