Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton mutually eliminated each other mid-way through the Italian Grand Prix when the pair collided at the first chicane.

Hamilton had just completed a pitstop and rejoined the track when Verstappen caught up with his title rival. But the Mercedes driver moved over to the left before he entered the chicane side by side with the Red Bull.

However, the Briton left Verstappen little space as they entered the final part of the chicane. A contact ensued that resulted in the Red Bull escalating the Mercedes, with both cars veering off into the gravel and into retirement.

A furious Verstappen quipped over the radio: "That’s what you get for not leaving me space".

The Dutchman exited his car and head off on foot, without a look at Hamilton who was left pondering the consequences of the run-in.

The incident will be a hard one to call for the stewards who put both drivers under investigation.

The race was neutralized under the safety car, with McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo in the lead.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sky F1’s Croft hints at major McLaren push for Miami

A familiar storyline may be about to unfold in Formula 1 – one where McLaren…

1 hour ago

Bearman’s rise leaves Komatsu in awe: ‘I don’t see the ceiling’

Momentum is building inside the Haas F1 Team, and much of it is surging from…

3 hours ago

Karting legend manager warns Lindblad: 'Be political and polite’

Legendary karting coach and talent scout Dino Chiesa has drawn striking parallels between Lewis Hamilton…

5 hours ago

Antonelli visits ‘The Doctor’ at the Ranch

F1 world championship leader Kimi Antonelli made good use of his easter weekend to make…

6 hours ago

Verstappen’s inner circle at Red Bull takes another hit

Fresh uncertainty appears to be brewing inside Red Bull Racing, with reports suggesting one of…

7 hours ago

Hamilton on silencing the critics: ‘I still have what it takes’

Three races into Ferrari’s 2026 campaign, Lewis Hamilton looks rejuvenated – his voice steadier, his…

8 hours ago