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.

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Michael Delaney

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