- Max Verstappen was furious at Lewis Hamilton during Monaco GP qualifying
- The Dutchman was dangerously impeded by his rival on his final flying lap in Q1
- Verstappen will start Sunday’s Grand Prix in P5, one position behind Hamilton
Max Verstappen launched expletives towards Lewis Hamilton after a dangerous near-miss during Monaco Grand Prix qualifying.
The reigning champion had to abandon his final flying lap in Q1 after a matter of seconds as Hamilton’s Ferrari was awkwardly placed at the apex of turn three.
Having had to take evasive action to avoid a high-speed collision at Massenet, Verstappen immediately took to the radio to blast his long-time rival.
‘F*** woah! Mate, f*** Lewis,’ the Dutchman fumed.
Hamilton also resorted to X-rated language after the incident, although his outrage was directed to his race engineer – Riccardo Adami.
The seven-time world champion had initially been told that Verstappen was on a fast lap, but then his engineer incorrectly clarified that the Red Bull driver was slowing down, leading to confusion.
Max Verstappen unleashed his anger towards Lewis Hamilton during Monaco GP qualifying
The Red Bull driver avoided a potential crash at turn three and fumed on the radio: ‘F*** Lewis’
The incident occurred on the approach to Massenet as Hamilton hugged the apex of the corner
‘Sorry, he’s slowing down behind, watch your mirrors,’ Adami mistakenly told Hamilton.
Then, when it became clear that Verstappen was impeded on his flying lap, Hamilton responded:’You said he was slowing down mate! F*** man.’
Ferrari’s negligence landed Hamilton a three-place gird penalty, but it did not impact Verstappen’s qualifying fortunes.
The latter made it through to Q2 by some margin, logging the fourth-fastest time in the first round of qualifying.
Both drivers ended up in the top-10 shootout; Hamilton will start Sunday’s Grand Prix in P4, while Verstappen will line up one position behind him.
Afterwards, the two were spotted talking in parc ferme and, despite some animated hand gestures, appeared to bury the hatchet as they amicably patted each other on the back before going their separate ways.
Saturday’s incident was the first time tensions have flared between the bitter rivals since the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix when they were involved in a collision.
As for how the rest of the grid fared, Lando Norris took his second pole position of the season, while his team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri will start third.
Hamilton and Verstappen spoke to each other in the paddock and appeared to bury the hatchet
Hamilton will line up in fourth for Sunday’s Grand Prix, one position ahead of Verstappen
Lando Norris claimed his second pole this season, ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri
The two McLarens were split by local boy Charles Leclerc, who qualified second. The Monegasque won his home race for the first time last year and is seeking his maiden win in 2025.
Completing the top 10 in Q3 were Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Liam Lawson and Alex Albon.
After a strong showing in Imola last time out, Hamilton is sixth in the drivers’ championship, just eight points off his team-mate Leclerc.
Meanwhile, Verstappen – seeking a record-equalling fifth straight world title – is third and 22 points behind championship leader Piastri.
