Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
So when it happens, he looks like a genius. And if he beats them, he looks like a hero. Win-win for Hamilton. I know you know this.
Pretty much, but it is annoying. At least he was mature enough to give that place back to Bottas. I would have bet against it.
As for Verstappen, I'd agree. It was a mistake, and a clumsy one. In this position, though, it's hard to blame him for taking a few extra risks. He's way down in the points. At this track, the best way to make up places, aside from a strategic miracle, is a good start, since he's clearly not going to overtake the Mercedes rivals on a straight. The real irony was that Ricciardo was bragging before the race how his tactics wouldn't be making any friends and he would be driving aggressively, yet it turns out the exact opposite way and he's more butthurt than I've ever seen him.
Verstappen was clumsy and he shouldn't have done it, but it sure as heck wasn't intentional. He's under pressure and was being aggressive. Had it been a Mercedes knocked out of the race by Verstappen, Ricciardo and Horner would have been clicking their heels about Verstappen's bravado and skill and said better luck next time for the unfortunate victim. It's different when it's on the other foot.
Well said.