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Why the medical car did not come out after the Verstappen-Hamilton incident
- GPblog.com
In case of crashes with a heavy impact it is common that the medical car enters the circuit to check on the condition of the driver in question. After the crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton Alan van der Merwe stayed in the pit lane. The South African explains why on Twitter why.
The RB16B ended up on top of Hamilton's Mercedes. It looked dangerous, but the men hit each other with a speed of 'only' 40 kilometres per hour. Van der Merwe: "Nothing to suggest our presence was necessary - if Lewis’ radio comms or behaviour on video feed would have hinted at injury, we’d have gone."
Even in the gravel trap, Hamilton still tried to continue his way. That, according to the medical driver, indicates it was OK for the seven-time world champion. "He was clearly trying to drive the car, and Max’s car was not blocking his egress from the cockpit," he explained.
Hamilton not happy with Verstappen
Hamilton was also angry with Verstappen after the Italian Grand Prix for not checking how his rival was doing. The 23-year-old Limburger immediately walked back towards his team. "That was weird - actually we always want to make sure the guy we collided with is OK," he said.