Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen believes Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton took "very heavy risks" when fighting last season, and relied on the safety of their car and the track to protect them.
The Red Bull and Mercedes rivals dominated proceedings in 2022 and predictably suffered several on-track clashes in which they were fortunately spared any physical consequences.
However, the pair's run-in at the start of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Verstappen made heavy contact with the barriers, could have ended tragically for the Dutchman.
And Hamilton was equally lucky to walk away unscathed from the two drivers' wreck at Monza where Verstappen's car mounted his Mercedes and came within inches of striking the Briton's halo-protected helmet.
Hakkinen who, in 1995 in Australia, suffered a horrific life-threatening crash that left him in a coma for several days, suggests Verstappen and Hamilton have often walked a fine line during their battles when it comes to their risk-taking behaviour.
"These days, Formula 1 cars are extremely safe, and this safety that the cars and the circuits are designed for gives the drivers extra confidence to take these risks," Hakkinen said.
"It’s really complicated when you’re sitting on a couch, when you’re at the Grand Prix and watching from the Paddock Club or in the paddock, not sitting in the car, not having that pressure where you know that every point counts at the end of the season and that you have to take those risks."
But while Hakkinen understands why F1's two top drivers often run on the ragged edge, the Finn explained why he never took such "heavy risks" in his career.
"Is it my style to do things that those two drivers did? Not really," said the Laureus World Sports Academy member.
"It is not my style and that is because I had a very bad accident. I spent a lot of time in hospital and I know the pain when things go wrong.
"These two drivers, they don’t know that, so they do take risks, very heavy risks, and they rely a lot on the safety of the car and the safety of the track."
"That’s why they do it. But at the same time, I’ll tell you, it’s a show, the fans are loving it. They’re going crazy."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
