Max Verstappen says the 5s penalty given to him for gaining an advantage effectively ended his race with Lewis Hamilton.

At the end of one of the most controversial races in the sport's history, both title protagonists were summoned by the stewards for a separate incident, which once again saw the Dutchman penalised.

Along with the race stoppages and deployments of the safety car and virtual safety car, fans lost count of the number of incidents involving the pair as the title fight got downright dirty.

However, it was the 5s penalty handed to the Dutchman for the incident on Lap 44, whilst battling Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon for the lead at Turn 1 that effectively ended the Red Bull driver's hopes.

"When they told me that I had the five-second penalty, it was not worth fighting anymore because I would never pull a gap of five seconds," said Verstappen.

"So, a lot of action, a lot of things that happened," he said of the race. "I think ultimately, we didn't really have perfect pace in the race, maybe also the medium tyres were not amazing to the end. I think the hard tyres had a bit more life in them I think, but as always, it's easy to say afterwards.

"At the end, that five-second penalty I don't think is correct," he insisted, "but at the end of the day I don't want to talk about it that much because they don't deserve any words coming out of my mouth.

"I find it interesting that I am the one who gets a penalty when both of us ran outside the white lines," he continued. "In Brazil it was fine but suddenly I get a penalty for it. You could see both of us didn't make the corner. But it's fine, I also don't really spend too much time on it. We have to move forward."

Asked about the incident when he was accused of brake testing his rival after being told to hand back the lead, Verstappen said: "They told me to give the position back, and so immediately when I heard that on the radio I just pulled off to the right, showing that I was going to move over, and I braked, downshifted, and he just stayed behind me.

"I was just looking in the mirror and I'm slowing down and I think there was a bit of a miscommunication and he ran into the back of me."

Of course, the stewards didn't see it that way, for while accepting that Hamilton could have overtaken the Dutchman, they found that Verstappen did indeed "brake suddenly (69 bar) and significantly, resulting in 2.4g deceleration", for which he received another 10s penalty.

"What happened today is unbelievable," he declared. "I'm just trying to race and this sport these days is more about penalties than racing. For me this is not Formula 1 but at least the fans enjoyed it.

"A lot of things happened, which I don't fully agree with," he added, "but it is what it is, at least I tried it on track, you know, to give it all. I gave it all but clearly not quick enough. But still, happy with second.

"We are equal on points now, and I think that's really exciting of course for the whole championship and Formula 1 in general. Yes, it will be decided there (in Abu Dhabi), so hopefully we have a good weekend, so let's see."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by TON, 10/12/2021 11:32

"Come on Max haters anyone remember M Schumacher Monaco. How about Adelaide when he took out hill i could go on, and he had the faster car. Max is fighting a faster car "

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2. Posted by elsiebc, 07/12/2021 19:17

"These are two championship caliber drivers. Nice guys occasionally win but the true ones are the ones that only see one outcome and that the world, and everyone in it, owes it to them. It is always their corner. It has to be. It's the only way it can be. Lewis has had domination for so long. When he was challenged by Rosberg he made mistakes at times, could become flustered. He learned from that period how to be more in control of himself. Bottas comes along and is the perfect teammate. His challenges to the imperial position of Hamilton's are infrequent and just cement Hamilton's (necessary) view of himself.

In steps Verstappen. If he yields, as he's supposed to do, he will always yield. But he knows he's better than Hamilton and that Hamilton knows that because, everybody does. And those that don't know it have to be shown it.

That's the nature of it. Gentleman drivers don't consistently win championships. Neither of these two are gentlemen. One is just more refined than the other. And has a more polished and experienced team making strategy. The better team will win the constructor's championship. As for the drivers..."

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3. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 06/12/2021 20:08

"Verstappen is starting to lose composure and will be Hamilton who'll win Yaz Marina unless an odd ball gets thrown. Lewis, love him or hate him is able to stay cool a cucumber when it counts."

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4. Posted by Redphyve, 06/12/2021 18:22

"kenji: "Silverstone set the tone...."

Really? You didn't watch Imola then, or the other races where Lewis avoided Max in case he took both of them out - THAT set the tone - Max diving in, Lewis taking avoiding action. Silverstone was all Max not taking avoiding action...he couid've taken Lewis at any time, such was the speed of the Red Bull.

"

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5. Posted by Defiant, 06/12/2021 16:34

"Max has become a disgrace, although not as dirty and duplicitous as Masi and his minions.

I'm so sick of Mr self righteous winning but I actually hope he wins this year as Im disgusted with Max and RB.

Then I really hope that Russell wipes the floor with the pair of them next year. In my unlikely dreams, it'd be Lando, Pierre, George and Daniel fighting for the top spots."

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6. Posted by kenji, 06/12/2021 10:32

"Silverstone set the tone...."

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7. Posted by Ted Baker, 06/12/2021 10:15

"Verstappen even surpasses Senna in his dirty tricks!!! They are both truly brilliant drivers they don't need to sink so low as to using these duplicitous tactics. Max just use your talent not what your "Old Man" has taught you !!!!"

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8. Posted by RPrior, 06/12/2021 8:55

"Verstappen should find another sport. He is not qualified to be racing in F1 - Skill OK - BUT Unable to race like a true F1 driver with sportsmanship.

I first watched the British Grand Prix in 1964. There has NEVER BEEN a dirtier driver than Verstappen.

"

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Verstappen: It was not worth fighting anymore

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