Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Max Verstappen’s Four-Word Rant at Lewis Hamilton Ignites Monaco Drama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated May 24, 2025 12:09 PM ET

Max Verstappen didn’t hold back after Lewis Hamilton blocked his flying lap during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix — a moment that’s now triggered an investigation by the stewards and could leave Hamilton with a costly penalty.

The Red Bull driver was heard erupting over team radio with a furious four-word outburst: “[Expletive] WHOA! MATE! [Expletive] Lewis!” after coming up behind Hamilton mid-push lap.

The Ferrari star had been misinformed by his race engineer, who told him Verstappen was on a slow lap and advised, “He’s slowing down behind. Watch your mirrors.”

That message proved to be wrong. Verstappen was very much on a hot lap and found his run compromised as he caught Hamilton in the tight middle sector of the Monaco GP. A replay showed Verstappen clearly having a lift as he closed in —a potentially major blow in a session where track positioning is everything.

Hamilton’s own radio message confirmed the miscommunication. “You said he was slowing down, mate! [Expletive] man!” the seven-time champion said in frustration after realizing what had just happened.

The FIA stewards launched an investigation into the incident for potential impeding, and given the clear onboards and radio communications, Hamilton may struggle to avoid a penalty. In Monaco, where overtaking is nearly impossible, even a three-place grid drop could ruin a driver’s weekend.

The moment has added fresh tension to an already electric qualifying session. It has sparked renewed debate about how teams communicate live information during such crucial moments.

Both drivers have history when it comes to wheel-to-wheel battles, but this incident wasn’t a matter of aggression — it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, fueled by incorrect radio intel.

Still, in Monaco, even the smallest mistake is punished. Now it’s up to the stewards to decide just how costly this one will be for Hamilton — and whether Verstappen’s anger will be matched by action from race control.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: