Hamilton and Verstappen near-miss at Monza FP3 draws no steward action
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen came close to contact at the Rettifilo chicane during final practice for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Stewards reviewed the incident but took no further action. The pair exchanged blame over team radio after running side-by-side down the main straight.
Incident details
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen ran side-by-side down the main straight at Monza before Verstappen dived to the inside at the Rettifilo chicane in the closing minutes of FP3. Hamilton took to the escape road to avoid contact. [1]
The pair exchanged blame on team radio; Verstappen said Hamilton caused the moment, while Hamilton said Verstappen blocked him. [2]
Stewards noted the incident but took no further investigation or action. [3]
Session context
George Russell topped the timesheets for Mercedes. Hamilton finished second for Ferrari. Verstappen placed third for Red Bull. [1]
The near-miss echoed their 2021 clash at the same corner but produced no damage or penalties this time.
Related reading
- [1]FP3: Russell goes fastest from Hamilton and Verstappen in final Italy practice (formula1). Accessed 2026-09-05.
- [2]Russell fastest in final Italian GP practice (the-race). Accessed 2026-09-05.
- [3]F1 Italian GP: George Russell leads Lewis Hamilton in FP3 (motorsport). Accessed 2026-09-05.