Toto Wolff stokes the flames over Max Verstappen incident as Jenson Button places blame

MAX VERSTAPPEN suffered one of the biggest shunts of his career at Silverstone in 2021.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stoked the flames with Red Bull by suggesting that there is no remorse from the Silver Arrows regarding Max Verstappen‘s high-speed crash at Silverstone. The impact sent the Dutchman to hospital, and his team was left fuming when Lewis Hamilton and co celebrated after the chequered flag, which was taken by the Brit in his home race.

The British Grand Prix was poised for a timeless showdown last year, as Verstappen threatened to run away with the Drivers’ Championship if he claimed another win.

A frantic battle ensued on the opening lap, with both drivers jousting in the knowledge that whoever emerged on top would have a great chance of winning the race.

With Hamilton closing in at high speed, the Brit audaciously attempted a move up the inside at Copse Corner, resulting in contact that sent Verstappen careering into the wall.

The 24-year-old was subsequently sent to hospital for check-ups, while Hamilton went on to win the race and close a growing Championship gap in his rival’s absence.

Red Bull promptly made their feelings clear on the incident, which was preceded by an opening-lap battle that former world champion Damon Hill described as ‘terrifying’.

But Wolff continues to stand firm and argue Mercedes’ corner, telling Sky Sports: “There wasn’t a lot of feeling of remorse on our side, because Lewis has given up corners much more often before where he shouldn’t have.

“If you’re sitting in the hospital shaken by a big impact, you’re not going to understand that the other team is cheering for their driver.

“But it was his home race, a massive swing to our advantage in terms of points, and we knew that Max was okay.”