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Prominent F1 Journalist Confirms Lewis Hamilton CALLED Max Verstappen After British GP Controversy

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have set themselves apart from the grid this season. With just eight points separating them in the driver’s championship, their intense rivalry is the focal point of the 2021 F1 season.

Their rivalry took on a new level of intensity after the British Grand Prix. Although they started alongside each other last Sunday, Verstappen crashed out of the race while battling Hamilton. The Briton’s celebration after the race drew its fair share of critics, one of whom was Verstappen himself.

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Dutch journalist Jack Plooij revealed the two title contenders had a conversation after the incident.

Dutch journalist reveals Lewis Hamilton called Max Verstappen before the Hungarian Grand Prix

Despite getting a 10-second penalty after the incident, Hamilton took his fourth win of the season at Silverstone. While Hamilton celebrated his victory, fans had diverse opinions on the events that unfolded last weekend. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix however, it seems both drivers are on talking terms again.

Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, Ziggo Sport journalist Jack Plooij revealed they engaged in a telephonic conversation recently. He said“Yeah, as far as I’ve heard, he phoned him.”

Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen before the race Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron

In addition, he also revealed how the Briton’s celebrations after the race caused a chain reaction. “The hardest issue of that Sunday was Lewis was celebrating and Max was in the hospital,” said Plooij. “That hurt the Verstappens too much.

“And Lewis wasn’t far from me. I said to him, ‘Max is in the hospital’. And then he looked to his left, where Rosa was standing. ‘The hospital?’

“I had a little bit of a sense that maybe Lewis wasn’t exactly informed how the situation at that moment was. I don’t know for sure, but that makes a little bit of sense.”

READ MORE: Would Lewis Hamilton Be Regarded Differently Had He Not Won the 2008 World Championship?

Plooij: Expect a more motivated Verstappen this weekend

When asked what can fans expect from Verstappen this weekend, Plooij admitted a more motivated Verstappen will be seen at Hungary. However, he limited the Dutchman’s motivation to the track while leaving out all the other elements.

He said, “Only on track. A really motivated Max to beat Lewis on track and that’s it. Not verbally or whatever.”

Although Hamilton won the last three races at Hungaroring, Verstappen will be determined to bounce back this weekend. Will the 23-year-old remain ahead of the Briton after August 1? Or can the defending world champion cause more problems for Verstappen and Red Bull at the Hungaroring?

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