Lewis Hamilton accuses Sebastian Vettel of ‘dangerous driving’ after Azerbaijan Grand Prix clash

Clash | Lewis Hamilton finished in fifth place after an unscheduled pit stop
AFP/Getty Images
Vaishali Bhardwaj25 June 2017

Lewis Hamilton accused Sebastian Vettel of driving dangerously during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton was in the lead and behind a safety car when Vettel made contact with the Mercedes driver from the back before the German accelerated alongside the Brit before appearing to swerve back into him.

The incident in lap 20 resulted in Vettel being given a 10-second stop-go penalty but, after Hamilton lost time dealing with a loose headrest, the Mercedes man finished in fifth place while Vettel ended in fourth.

After the race, Hamilton expressed his frustration as he accused Vettel of dangerous driving while the German defended himself and claimed the Brit had deliberately slowed down before the pair first made contact following a corner.

Hamilton told Sky Sports 1: "You saw it happen, I don't really care about it. I don't know what to say, there's nothing I can say.

"It's done and dusted, we move on. It's just not driver conduct. (It was) dangerous driving (and) you only get a 10-second penalty for that kind of thing, I think it's...I don't need to say anymore.

"I'm just looking forward to getting home. It's been a good weekend and we've still got some points, which is the key. Onwards and upwards."

Vettel added: "He brake-checked me so what do you expect? I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose but I'm struggling. I don't think it was necessary.

"I had a little damage, he risked damage. A couple of years ago in China it was the same thing. I raised my hand and showed him I wasn't happy with that. I ran into the back of him."

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