Max Verstappen took first place at the Australian Grand Prix, but the reigning champion had a message for rival Lewis Hamilton, who he accused of breaking the rules immediately after the start of the race.

Max VerstappenPhoto: DPPI / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Max Verstappen was close to crashing into Lewis Hamilton after the Briton took a corner

The race in Australia was just crazy and Max Verstappen had a lot of emotions until the end.

The reigning champion did not have the best start, even though he started from pole position, he was overtaken by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

George Russell passed the Dutchman without incident, but Lewis Hamilton went too far into the corner and came close to being clipped by rival Max Verstappen.

At the end of the race, the Dutchman wrote a message to the Mercedes driver, accusing him of breaking the rules.

“For my part, I was just trying to avoid contact, the regulations are pretty clear about what he is now allowed to do outside, but obviously the rules are not being followed. But that’s normal. I had a good pace, I still passed him (Hamilton), but that has to be taken into account in the next races.” – said Max Verstappen, reports f1.com.

However, the Red Bull driver emphasized that he was delighted with the way the car handled.

“We had a very bad start. I was careful on the first lap because I had a lot to lose and they (the non-Mercedes drivers) had a lot to gain. I think the pace of the car was fast, you could see it. Immediately I was close, waiting for the DRS to open so I could pass in front.

There were also these red flags, the first one maybe you can do it, but the second one I didn’t really understand. There was a bit of chaos but I got through it all, I had a good pace in the car again today and I won, which is of course the most important thing.

It’s great to win here, it’s my first win. Also, it’s been a while for the team since they haven’t won, so I’m really, really happy. It’s also nice to see the fans enjoying themselves. They waited a long time all day, so thanks to them too for staying.” Verstappen said.