Verstappen reacts to Hamilton 'dickhead' comment

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Max Verstappen dismissed Lewis Hamilton's derogatory remark which the Mercedes made in the cool-down room in Bahrain, just before the event's podium ceremony.

Referring to his on-track encounter with the Red Bull driver earlier in the race, Hamilton was heard calling Verstappen a "dickhead" for undertaking a move which ultimately led to the Dutchman's demise.

Interviewed via Skype on Dutch TV show Ziggo Sport on Monday night, Verstappen commented a clip of the scene, insisting his rival's slam was distilled in the heat of the moment.

“He is just out of the car there. Then those things can happen. If you are just out of the car, you are still full of adrenaline, so yeah," Verstappen said.

Hamilton hopes Verstappen will 'learn' from immature mistakes

Sunday evening, Hamilton elaborated on Verstappen's behavior, saying the 20-year-old had been impatient and that his actions had likely cost his team a good number of points.

The Red Bull driver refuted the claim however, insisting an overtaking opportunity was indeed available to him.

"I was really close behind and there was a chance to overtake, so I thought it was a good opportunity," he said.

"Our car was great. Then I’m not going to stay behind him.

"I knew we had a very good car for the race, so I knew we would be able to fight them."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.