Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton was to blame for the 180mph crash that sent Max Verstappen off to hospital during Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
The world championship contenders clashed on the opening lap at the super-fast Copse corner at Silverstone, winding the Dutchman, who then spent six hours at hospital in Coventry before being released after precautionary tests.
Hamilton went on to win the race in controversial circumstances to cut his disadvantage in the world championship table to eight points. It was his eighth win at the Northamptonshire track and by far his most contentious.
Bernie Ecclestone (R) believes Lewis Hamilton was to blame for the crash at British Grand Prix
Speaking to Sportsmail, Ecclestone said: ‘Who was to blame? You have to say Lewis.
‘In the old days we would have said it was one of those things, a racing incident It was clear that everyone was doing his best to win the championship.
‘But if the stewards needed to get involved then they should have given Lewis more than a 10-second penalty. It should have been 30 seconds.
‘Lewis was not in front at the point they collided. It wasn’t his corner. He was almost a car’s length behind. That’s why he hit him at the back not the front.
‘Ten seconds was not right. The punishment did not fit the crime.
The world championship contenders clashed on the opening lap at the super-fast Copse
Spectators were shocked as dust flew over the fence following the fierce collision
‘If you have to give a sanction, which in some ways they didn’t need to, this was not right decision - it wasn’t enough.’
Ecclestone’s views were echoed by Verstappen’s father Jos - a veteran of 107 F1 races — who said that Hamilton should have been disqualified.
Verstappen Snr, 49, said: ‘It is really unacceptable what Hamilton did.
‘Max gave him space
