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Max Verstappen did not push for Lewis Hamilton to be punished for an incident in practice for the French GP.

While the stewards prepared to rule on the Sebastian Vettel time penalty review, they also had to look into whether Hamilton should be penalised at Paul Ricard for unsafely returning to the track in front of Verstappen.

Verstappen's Red Bull boss Dr Helmut Marko said that if the stewards acted consistently, they would penalise Hamilton just as harshly as Vettel was in Canada.

But he also admitted that when meeting with the stewards, Verstappen did not push for a penalty.

"Max thought Lewis simply didn't see him," Marko told ORF. "Max did not complain about the incident at all."

Verstappen confirmed that account, telling Ziggo Sport that "If something like that happens, I'm not one who makes it a big thing.

"We are not fighting Mercedes and we were not racing," he added.

"If it was for the title and we were competing directly with Mercedes, you may take the opportunity against your opponent. But in our situation, I don't feel like doing that.

"Generally I think it's better not to whine all the time. These situations happen, especially with the rear view out of these cars so limited."

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4 F1 Fan comments on “Verstappen did not want Hamilton practice penalty”

    • Simon Saivil

      I used to think the same (and in a certain way still do), but, after the establishment has decided that he IS a future champion, and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, I have asked that my membership in that club be cancelled.

  1. Anne Thursby

    Max is a great guy and a brilliant driver. Future champion.

    • Simon Saivil

      -great guy...
      most of the time, especially until very recently
      -brilliant driver....
      also most of the time, but not the cleanest
      -future champion...
      almost assuredly; with the skills, temperament, performing car, establishment tail-winds on his side, how could he fail?

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