F1: 5 times Verstappen Clashed with Other Drivers

#4 Bahrain 2018

After winning 2 Grands Prix in 2017 towards the end, much was expected out of Verstappen coming into 2018. He had gathered experience in Formula 1 and Red Bull wanted him to challenge for wins and podiums regularly. Unfortunately, it has not happened so far.

Verstappen had an inauspicious start to the season, with an overeager attempt to pass Magnussen in the Australian GP resulted in an ugly spin, in which he lost two places. In the second race of 2018 in Bahrain, Verstappen had a horrid qualifying as he gunned his Red Bull too soon into Turn 2 and went into the barriers in Q2, unable to set a time. As a result, he started back in 15th place.

As the race started, Verstappen gained four places by the first lap, slotting in behind Hamilton who was in 10th place. They went down the long straight to Turn 1 and Verstappen made a move on the inside of Hamilton with sparks flying around. He almost made the move stick but Alonso, who was ahead of the battling duo, slowed down a touch and Verstappen moved too close to Hamilton. Their wheels touched and this time, the Dutchman suffered a rear puncture.

He somehow limped back to the pits but despite the best efforts of the Red Bull pit crew, they could repair his car to get him back out on the track. If only he had bided his time, Verstappen could have got some points for Red Bull but it was not to be.

Hamilton said after the race "There needs to be a certain respect between drivers," the Brit said. "It didn't feel like a respectful manoeuvre.