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FIA draw a line under Ocon, Verstappen clash

Cape Town - The matter between Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon is over, at least according to the FIA who feel there is no need for further invention. 

It became extremely heated between the long-time rivals last time out in Brazil when they clashed while Ocon tried to unlap himself off race leader Verstappen. 

He went around the outside of 1 to get the better line into 2 but, with no room to squeeze through, the two collided and spun. 

Ocon was hit with a 10-second stop-go penalty while Verstappen's punishment was undoubtedly the harshest as he finished second in a race he should have won. 

The Dutchman confronted Ocon after the race, later revealing that the Force India driver's "smile" resulted in his giving him a shove, not once but thrice. 

Verstappen has been handed two days of public service for that. 

Asked by Autosport if he felt further talks were needed, FIA race director Charlie Whiting said: "We've done that already, I think the stewards have made it clear. 

"Let's be realistic, it's happened a number of times in the past: we all know that. 

"In terms of the actual incident, it didn't look that serious but any physical contact I don't think can be condoned." 

But it wasn't just Verstappen's behaviour that raised eyebrows. 

Speaking to Sky F1 in the immediate aftermath of the grand prix, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Ocon was "lucky" to get away with only a push. 

Whiting's response to that: "It's not a great thing to hear but in the heat of the moment, and having lost a race that they would probably have won, I can understand comments like that."

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