The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was marked by many incidents, including a collision between Hamilton and Verstappen. Here’s what the telemetry says about the contact.
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was rich in action and twists. Throughout the race, the spirits of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton heated up between the racing events and the reversals in favor of one or the other.
F1 – Saudi Arabia: race result, Hamilton winner of an incredible Grand Prix
But what we particularly remember is the clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The latter did not intervene at 300 km / h between the walls, on an attempt by one or the other to overtake. But rather in a moment of confusion that almost looked ridiculous.
Lewis Hamilton made several attempts to regain his initial position early in the race. But Max Verstappen did not hear it that way. The Dutchman resisted the assaults of the Briton, climbing the curbs and going so far as to exceed the limits of the track. This last action forced the Red Bull driver to have to give way to his rival in the middle of the race.
But the maneuver was not understood by the seven-time world champion. Which gives this situation:
OH THE SNAP BETWEEN LEWIS AND MAX! 💥
But what is this end of GP? 😭#SaudiArabianGP 🇸🇦 # F1
▶️ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/JQeOezN6ih
– CANAL + F1® (@ CanalplusF1) December 5, 2021
The fate seems favorable to Lewis Hamilton who sees his front wing hold until the finish without conceding too much performance. Mercedes driver wins race while Max Verstappen ends up receive a 10 second penalty for this incident. Between incomprehension and general chaos, who is the real culprit in the story and what does the telemetry tell us?
Here, telemetry clearly shows Max Verstappen’s intention to brake in order to make his position. But in view of the race and the lack of information, Lewis Hamilton was taken aback. The Englishman first thinks of a new safety car and does not seem to understand the reaction of the driver in front of him. Twice the Red Bull driver brakes and accelerates, which makes the situation so confusing. The seven-time world champion does not anticipate enough and has no other choice but to crash into the car and break part of his front wing.
What we understand from the situation is that first of all, the information to exchange positions was not transmitted in time to the Mercedes stand. But also that Max Verstappen did not make the situation easier by decelerating all at once. It does this twice, as shown in the telemetry below:
For those requesting telemetry of the Verstappen / Hamilton incident on lap 37
Verstappen clearly brakes twice
He brakes and surprises Hamilton, accelerates again, then brakes harder and surprises Hamilton again. Telemetry is crystal clear# F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/pK0A36SBG5
– Emmanuel Touzot (@EmmanuelTouzot) December 5, 2021
Max Verstappen is therefore betrayed by these data, the FIA decided to penalize him by 10 seconds. A sentence that ultimately has no influence, given the advance that the two protagonists had on the rest of the set. The two drivers therefore finish on equal points before the last round of the season in Abu Dhabi, for a final that promises to be explosive.
Photo : Icon Sport
To read on Auto-Moto:
F1 – Saudi Arabia: mixed and disastrous 2nd start – VIDEO
F1 – Saudi Arabia: huge crash of Mick Schumacher – VIDEO
F1 – Saudi Arabia: Verstappen in the wall in qualifying – VIDEO
F1 – How Sergio Pérez can (more) influence the title race
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