by H. Mayor – photo: F1.com

It was one of the most tense moments of the Azerbaijan’s Grand Prix roller-coaster. Lewis Hamilton was leading the race with Vettel following close behind. With the Safety Car out for a third time, the British driver performed a series of low speed manoeuvres to warm up his tyres when a sudden brake had an unsuspecting Vettel ramming into the back of him. Vettel then, furious, accelerated until he was alongside Hamilton and intentionally went into his side. His actions, sanctioned by most at the paddock, had them both needing some minor repairs; resulted in a ten point penalty for the four times champion and completely changed the outcome of the race.

There were more unexpected developments at the bizarre Grand Prix that we witnessed in Azerbaijan. Ricciardo came out victorious after starting in tenth position and having mechanical problems of his own. Equally surprising was Bottas overtaking the rookie Stroll right at the finish line after an exceptional comeback. As for the leading contenders, Hamilton not only didn’t get close to the podium but also left Baku an extra two points behind Vettel… and considerably annoyed.

“We are men, there was no need to do something like that”, Vettel protested at the end of the race, still in the heat of the moment and to justify his own actions. Hamilton didn’t fall short on his reply:  “If he wants to prove that he’s a man, I think he should do it out of the car face to face. What he has done doesn’t make sense, I think he disgraced himself today (…)  Imagine all the young kids that are watching today and see that kind of behaviour from a four-time world champion.”

Video: the moment of the clash between Vettel and Hamilton

Tension builds-up

The tension has not stopped building up between the two champions over the last few days. “I don’t have a problem with him. (…) I respect him a lot for the driver he is, but now is not the right time to talk because you [media] are all around. I think I will do that just with him and then we will clear it and move on.” Vettel said. His rival however was not impressed: “I’m just going to do my talking on the track, that’s most important for me,” Hamilton replied. “I need some time to reflect on it all, but I think ultimately today what happened was disrespectful. If I had had any ill intent (…) I still think it’s not deserving of that kind of reaction”.

To top it all off, Mercedes’ boss Toto Wolff has added fuel to the fire by saying: “The respect is gone, this is war”. Everybody is well aware of Hamilton’s  competitive character which has not earned him many friends in the grid, including that of his own team-mate Rosberg who last year disputed him (and won)  the Driver’s Championship.

Their clash in Baku takes their already tense but respectful relationship up to a whole different level. Wolff’s words paint the picture of an outright open warfare between the two greatest contenders to the title where there will be no concessions. Fourteen points between them and an entire world of possibilities on the tarmac ahead of them.