Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said the clash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton was a racing incident.

Verstappen, who retired from the race as a result of the lap two collision, said the stewards should have investigated Hamilton. But Horner believes they were correct not to get involved.

“It was a racing incident,” said Horner. “For me that is what racing is. [Verstappen] got the tow. He was always going to have to make a bold move. He got the majority done; Lewis was lucky not to lose his front wing.

“Ultimately the stewards made the right decision that it was a racing incident. As long as that is consistent racing throughout the year. Lewis was lucky not to come away with no damage, compromising… he had lost the corner, and at that point you have to have to give it up at some point.”

Race director Charlie Whiting confirmed the stewards noted the collision but felt there was no need to investigate it.

Verstappen suffered a puncture in the collision which caused further damage and led to his retirement, Horner explained.

“We will have to have a look at it but he started to lose hydraulic pressure and the driveshafts don’t like being at that angle. It is just an unhealthy attitude for the car to be in. If he had been half way around the lap… the fact that he had to do almost five kilometres like that, it was never going to be looking good.”

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2018 F1 season