Following their fierce competition at the Austrian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has dismissed Max Verstappen's request for a penalty. The two drivers engaged in an intense battle during the race held on June 28, 2026.
Hamilton's response highlights his belief that true champions do not back down in the face of challenges. He stated that one should not expect a champion to concede ground during a race.
This incident adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen, as both continue to push the limits of competitive racing in Formula 1.
Updates
Update at 21:10 UTC on 2026-06-28
Sky Sports reported Lewis Hamilton dismissed Max Verstappen's in-race call for him to be penalised after a thrilling battle between the pair during the Austrian Grand Prix, insisting that "you don't drive around the outside of a champion".
Sources: Sky Sports