Felipe Massa says he cannot understand why he was penalised for Lewis Hamilton clash
Felipe Massa says he cannot understand why the Indian Grand Prix stewards chose to give him a drive-through penalty for his collision with Lewis Hamilton
The pair came together for the sixth time this year in today's race at the Buddh International Circuit, clashing as Hamilton tried to pass Massa on the inside into Turn 4. The McLaren sustained a broken front wing and finished seventh, while Massa was penalised then retired with broken suspension after clipping a kerb.
The Brazilian was adamant that he was not the one at fault.
"My view is that I was in front, I braked later than him and I was in front, I was on the grippy area as well and then I started to turn and I didn't see him on the left as he was behind," said Massa. "He touched my rear wheel. So, to be honest I don't understand why I have the penalty. It is not really understandable."
Asked if he felt he was now part of a 'feud', Massa replied: "Maybe for him. Because all the incidents are that he touched my car. So, I didn't do anything wrong."
He added: "If it is Lewis or not Lewis, whatever the driver is there, I would do the same."
Massa also denied that he had looked in his mirrors to see where the McLaren was and then deliberately turned in on his rival.
"I know he was on my side. But when I braked, this is the important place, not when you are on the straight, when I braked, he was not on my side," he said.
"So, I turned because I braked later than him. I cannot understand why I am supposed to back off and let him by, no? I braked later. He was on the dirty side.
"And then I turned and he touched me from behind. He did not touch on my side, or wheel-to-wheel. If it was wheel-to-wheel I would not try to close the door."
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