Lewis Hamilton calls title rival Sebastian Vettel a 'disgrace' after collision

By Egbe Emmanuel E.

 Photos: Tempers flare in Baku

 

Tempers boiled at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku after a collision between title leader Sebastian Vettel (right) and rival Lewis Hamilton. 

It was road rage on the track and a war of words off it as Lewis Hamilton branded title rival Sebastian Vettel a "disgrace" after an incident-filled Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

Britain's Hamilton accused Vettel of deliberately driving into him in a chaotic race won by Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

Three-time world champion Hamilton, who had controlled the race from pole, was first bumped from behind by the German, suffering damage to his front wing.

Vettel then pulled up alongside Hamilton and appeared to turn deliberately into the Mercedes driver, gesticulating and banging wheels.

Hamilton, second behind Vettel in the world title standings, described Vettel's driving as "disgusting" and "not sportsman's conduct."

 

Hamilton and Vettel clashed when the Safety Car was out on track.

The world championship leader claimed Hamilton had been deliberately "brake-checking" him, but the stewards saw it differently and handed Vettel a stop-go penalty.

'We're racing as men'

"I didn't [brake-test him]. I controlled the pace. All the restarts I slowed down in the same spot," Hamilton told reporters.

"He was obviously sleeping and driving alongside and deliberately driving into a driver and coming away scot-free is a disgrace. He disgraced himself.

"If he wants to prove himself he is a man he should do it out of the car, face-to-face.

 

 

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia took the honors for Red Bull after a remarkable Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"Imagine all young kids watching F1 today and seeing that sort of behavior from a four-time world champion."

 

The German denied he was at fault, telling reporters: "I didn't run into the back of him on purpose. I damaged my wing, I think he had a little bit of damage as well. Nothing that would have impacted on the race. 

 

"It's just not the way to do it. I think it was very clear. In the end we're racing as men. I don't have a radio to him. If I get a penalty, then we should both get a penalty."