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Monaco GP: Max Verstappen penalised for crash with Romain Grosjean

Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has been given a five-place grid penalty for the next race in Canada after crashing into Romain Grosjean in the Monaco Grand Prix

The Dutchman clipped the back of the Lotus on the approach to Sainte Devote and flew nose-first into the barriers at high-speed, while Grosjean was pushed into the escape road but continued and finished 12th.

The 17-year-old blamed Grosjean for the accident, suggesting the Frenchman braked earlier than he had done on the previous lap and caught him out.

"It's very dangerous and for sure I will be a bit sore tomorrow," said Verstappen.

"I braked in the same spot like the lap before but he clearly braked 10-15 metres earlier. When it is that close, you have no room. He caught me by surprise.

"I realised at the moment he braked, but by then it is too late because you don't expect someone to brake that early."

Verstappen insisted he was trying to avoid a crash rather than overtake Grosjean at that point.

"It was not even a move," he said. "I tried to avoid him, maybe it looked like an overtake but he braked way earlier than the lap before. The whole race you are braking within five metres."

But Grosjean said: "I think he forgot the braking point unfortunately for me.

"He was much quicker but in Monaco, it is hard to overtake.

"He was a bit too optimistic on that move, he could have hurt himself and myself.

"It cost us a point. After having a five-place grid penalty, [to] bring in some points in Monaco would have been great for the team."

When asked if it was down to a lack of experience, Grosjean said: "Probably, he was trying hard but too hard."

Stewards deemed Verstappen to be at fault for the collision, with the youngster - ran comfortably in the points in the opening stint before a slow pitstop dropped him back - also given two penalty points on his licence.

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