‘What is he doing?’ - Max Verstappen slams Kimi Raikkonen on radio after Belgian GP crash
Max Verstappen was left fuming at Kimi Raikkonen after a collision between the two on the very first corner of the Belgian Grand Prix.
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Verstappen had a slow start off the line, with Raikkonen pushing to make a move on the Red Bull driver at the top of La Source.
Raikkonen turned in hard on the corner with Verstappen looking to catch him late on the braking to cut inside.
But the two drivers collided, with Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo jumping into the air from the collision.
And the incident clearly damaged Verstappen’s steering as he attempted to continue, only for the front wheels to buckle before he crashed into the barriers.
The Dutchman walked away from the incident, but he wasn’t ready to take the blame.
“What is he doing?” Verstappen could be heard saying on the team radio.
But F1 pundit Martin Brundle believes the 21-year-old will have to shoulder the blame.
“You wonder if he had steering issues and contact was made with Raikkonen," Brundle said on Sky Sports.
“That could well have damaged the steering rod.
“Max will have to take the blame for that one I'm afraid.
“He nearly took Raikkonen with him.”
The FIA decided against investigating the incident any further though with both Verstappen and Raikkonen escaping further punishment.
Speaking to Sky Sports after getting back to the pits, Verstappen admitted his late braking tactics may have played a part on the collision.
“It was a poor start and I don't really know why but we'll look into it,” he said.
“I broke a little bit later than the cars ahead of me.
“Kimi didn't expect me to be there anymore, so we touched.
“It's not a feeling that I'm used to but that's racing and these things can happen.
“It's not going to be the best for us next week but we'll try to make the most of it."