McLaren F1 Legend Gives His Honest Take on the ‘Brake Testing’ Hamilton-Verstappen Saga

Formula 1 legend Mika Hakkinen recently weighed in on the question that seems to be on everyone’s minds right now. Did Max Verstappen brake test Lewis Hamilton?

During lap 37, Verstappen had been given instructions to let his championship rival overtake him. But the Mercedes, instead of smoothly passing a slowing Verstappen, slammed into its back.

This led to Verstappen being handed a penalty for dangerous driving. And it split everyone on whether it was a racing incident or did the Red Bull driver slow down deliberately.

And according to Hakkinen, Verstappen didn’t brake test Hamilton. He wrote, “I do not believe that Max was ‘brake testing’ Lewis – that is, trying to force a collision which could easily have put both cars out of the race.”

“Instead he was trying to force Lewis to overtake him at the point. However the way he slowed, and the position of his car on the track, was definitely a problem. “

“When you have to let a car repass there is only one way to do it safely. That is to make a clear move to one side, come off the throttle slightly and allow the natural speed differential to enable your competitor to repass you,” Hakkinen wrote.

Hakkinen believes FIA’s penalty to Max Verstappen has sent a message for Abu Dhabi

The former McLaren driver wrote the FIA was ‘right to apply a penalty’ after the race in Jeddah. He explained the penalty has sent a loud and clear message to everyone for the race in Abu Dhabi.

The message being – “Dangerous driving will lead to a penalty and if the FIA see a repeat of this kind of driving in Abu Dhabi I believe the penalty will be severe and immediate.”

Yes, the message from FIA is quite clear. But we could still see dramatic moments of extreme tension in Abu Dhabi. And it’s understandable as well. After a full season of see-sawing each other in the championship, both protagonists won’t back down from a minor moment of antagonism.

Especially considering what is there to win or to lose.

Also Read: “One Step Ahead of All of Us” – Fernando Alonso Believes Max Verstappen Is More Deserving to Win the F1 Title