Lewis Hamilton was once left upset by ‘confusing’ Saudi Arabian Grand Prix clash with Max Verstappen

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Formula 1 returns for its fifth instalment of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend with a new championship leader heading into the event for the first time ever.

On all four occasions between 2021 and 2024, Max Verstappen has been the leader in the drivers’ championship both before and after the event.

This year, Lando Norris leads the way but heads into the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix chasing some better form after struggling of late.

Oscar Piastri is hot on his heels, with Verstappen and George Russell a bit further behind. Ferrari and new recruit Lewis Hamilton have been far off the pace during the first four races.

Verstappen thinks the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix can be better for him after he was swallowed up in the midfield battle in Bahrain last time out.

Red Bull may struggle to stop Verstappen leaving after failing to provide him with a car capable of competing at every race. They have been off the pace on multiple occasions this year.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen now attracting £206m-a-year five-season offer to leave Red Bull with Mercedes set to re-sign George Russell

Why Lewis Hamilton was left upset after ‘confusing’ Max Verstappen clash at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has to go down as the most exciting of the lot so far. Hamilton and Verstappen level on points after the race and a mega title battle heading into the weekend.

They clashed, bumped each other off the track and had red flag restarts. Even qualifying was dramatic with the Dutchman’s best-ever Formula 1 lap that never was after he crashed at the final corner.

The two collided in the race after a miscommunication which made it seem like Verstappen brake-checked his rival. It left Hamilton upset at the time.

“I didn’t quite understand why suddenly [Verstappen] hit the brakes pretty heavily,” he told Motorsport.com.

“I ran into the back of him, and then he moved on. So I didn’t understand exactly what was going on. I got a message afterwards that he was going to let us past. So it was a bit confusing.”

Of course that wasn’t as controversial as things would get, with the finale in Abu Dhabi going down as one of the most chaotic endings to a season ever.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen predicted to seek Red Bull exit in next ‘three or four races’ if one Bahrain Grand Prix problem persists

Could Max Verstappen be battling with Lewis Hamilton at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

With Red Bull’s recent demise and Ferrari struggles to start the season, there’s a strong possibility that Hamilton and Verstappen could be in close quarters again soon.

With little to lose in a midfield battle, expect to see an elbows-out approach from both as they look to write another chapter in their great rivalry.

Red Bull held an intensive meeting after Verstappen complaints and will be looking to rectify their issues as soon as possible. They shouldn’t be in the midfield for too long.

Hamilton is adjusting to totally new systems at Ferrari and he too should only get stronger with more experience in Italian machinery.

Don’t be surprised to see both drivers competing for podiums and maybe victories by the end of the season if their teams can deliver upgrades with the desired effect.