Of all the clashes during Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s 2021 title epic, it was the most innocuous that almost ended in disaster.

The pair of world champions came together an unprecedented number of times in the closest Formula 1 title bout of all time , rubbing wheels and crashing almost every weekend.

Hamilton ceded track position to his rival to avoid contact on multiple occasions to start the campaign before deciding against it in Silverstone.

On that occasion the Dutchman went flying into a barrier at 51G and had to be taken for medical checks with a nasty headache.

From then on the rules of engagement were firmly set, and four races later there was little surprise when neither driver gave an inch heading into turn one.

Fighting for the lead Hamilton responded to a Vers

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