Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to ‘brake testing’ incident following collision at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The penultimate Grand Prix of the Formula One season didn’t disappoint.

There was drama from start to finish at the inaugural race at the new circuit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ultimately, though, Lewis Hamilton’s experience told as he overtook his great rival Max Verstappen on lap 43 to win and remarkably go level on points with the Dutchman going into the final race of the season.

It was one of the most nail-biting races of the year with drama happening throughout the spectacle.

One clash, however, stuck out from the rest and that was when Hamilton accused Verstappen of ‘brake testing’ him towards the end of the race.

Verstappen’s team told him to give the position to Hamilton but, with the Mercedes set to pass, he slowed right down before being rammed into by his title challenger.

Hamilton labelled him ‘crazy’ over the radio and Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff fumed by throwing his headphones to the ground.

And both drivers have now spoken of the incident, with differing opinions over what happened.

“It was quite eventful,” said Verstappen.

“A lot of things happen that I don’t fully agree with but it is what it is, I tried on track to give my all. Nevertheless, I was still second.”

Asked about the incident with Hamilton he said: “I slowed down, I wanted to let him through, I was on the right but he didn’t want to overtake and then we touched. I don’t really understand what happened there.”

“I’ve been racing a long time but that was incredibly tough,” Hamilton said.

“I tried to be as sensible and tough as I could be out there with all my race experience, keeping the car on track and staying clear, and that was difficult.

“We have had all sorts of things thrown at us and I’m just really proud of everyone.”

Hamilton’s opinion on the coming together with Verstappen differed to that of his rival, the British driver adding: “I didn’t quite understand why all of a sudden he hit the brakes pretty heavily and then I ran into the back of him and then he moved on and I got a message afterwards saying he was going to let me pass, so it was a bit confusing.”