Button sees outbreak of 'fisticuffs' between Verstappen and Hamilton

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Jenson Button believes the fracas at Silverstone between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was just the beginning of the pair's feisty battle as the gloves are off between the two title contenders.

Verstappen and Hamilton enjoyed several fiery wheel-to-wheel duels earlier this season, and while it was tight at times between the Red Bull and Mercedes driver, the tussles were never terminal for either opponent.

But at Silverstone, the rivalry escalated to a whole new level as a result of the opening lap clash at Copse corner that sent Verstappen into the barriers.

Verstappen's championship lead was cut to just 8 points after Hamilton's win in the British Grand Prix, and Button believes neither driver will rein in his boldness in the upcoming races.

"It's going to be a feisty one from here on, which is good for us watching but whether it's good for them - I don't know!" Button told Sky Sports.

"Emotions are running so high, these are two of the best drivers that have ever driven F1 cars and it is going to be fisticuffs over the next few races."

However, looking ahead, the 2009 F1 world champion hopes that the two drivers' future on-track brawls won't end as dramatically as it did at Silvberstone.

"We've just got to hope it's done in the right manner," added Button.

"I think after this race hopefully they'll discuss it, that's what's important to me it's that these drivers understand what happened and they talk about it and they move on, and then they can fight as they should, with the gloves off."

Read also: Horner tallies up cost of Verstappen crash: $1.8 million!

After the British Grand Prix, FIA race director Michael Masi hinted at a possible sit-down with Verstappen and Hamilton ahead of this week's Hungarian Grand Prix where the two drivers will resume their title battle.

"There are various discussions that happen with drivers individually, those will happen behind closed doors and from an FIA perspective will remain that way," Masi said at Silverstone.

"How I deal with that one on one with drivers will remain between me and the drivers and the teams."

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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.