Max Verstappen caught talking about Lewis Hamilton move in post-race chat
MAX VERSTAPPEN won the Italian Grand Prix after a dominant drive at Monza.
Italian Grand Prix: Preview lap of Formula One track
Max Verstappen was spotted talking to George Russell about Lewis Hamilton’s double overtake at the Italian Grand Prix moments after the race. Hamilton slipped past Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly for seventh after stopping for new soft tyres.
The seven-time champion swung back on the exit of turn two to launch himself past on lap 36. But, Verstappen seemed impressed at the move, giggling as he watched his former title rival pass the McLaren and Alpha Tauri.
Verstappen reacted: “Haha double overtake” as he watched the screen with Russell and Charles Leclerc in the cool down room moments after the chequered flag. Hamilton managed to fight back to P5 after starting the race 19th on the grid.
The Briton was forced to start at the back of the grid after taking on new engine components ahead of the weekend. But, it means Hamilton has lost more points to Russell in the battle at Mercedes.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton slams 'waste of space' on Mercedes car after Italian GP
Russell secured his fourth podium in five races as he held onto P3 despite pressure from Carlos Sainz. It allowed Russell to open up an extra five-point advantage over Hamilton with the gap now standing at 35 points.
Hamilton admitted he was “grateful” at securing a top-five finish after a late safety car put his result at risk. The race eventually ended behind the safety car after marshals were unable to clear away Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren in time.
He explained: "It was a good race. The guys were saying that anything between sixth and fourth was possible and that felt a stretch for me. But I had fun. I struggled at the beginning, but I'm, really really grateful that I made my way through and got those points.
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It’s also the reigning champion’s first win at the Italian Grand Prix at a race where Hamilton has won five times. The pair collided at the Monza circuit 12 months ago during their epic title duel with Hamilton later criticising Verstappen for not checking whether he was okay after their heavy shunt.
After today’s race, the former title rivals are separated by 167 points as Mercedes' uncompetitive season continues.