Lewis Hamilton dismisses Max Verstappen’s in-race request for a penalty following their battle during the Austrian Grand Prix. In comments reported by Sky Sports and Sky News, Hamilton argues that Verstappen’s view is unwarranted and says a driver does not “drive around the outside of a champion.” The dispute centres on Hamilton’s actions during the contest, with Verstappen calling for Hamilton to be penalised during the race. Hamilton’s response frames the incident as part of competitive racing rather than behaviour warranting sanctions, and he rejects the need for a penalty. The outlets present Hamilton’s remarks as a direct rebuttal to Verstappen’s claim, without indicating that any penalty is imposed as a result in these reports. Both sources focus on Hamilton’s stance toward Verstappen’s request and the wording of Hamilton’s criticism of the approach taken in the battle.