Lewis Hamilton has stated he is 'very fortunate' to be alive following a horror collision with Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
The two title-chasing drivers collided at the Variante del Rettifilo, following Hamilton's exit from the pit lane, and Verstappen bounced off the kerb and mounted the Mercedes as both slid into the gravel.
Replays showed the tyre of the Red Bull shedding into the top of the Mercedes car and making contact with Hamilton's helmet.
The halo on the Mercedes proved to be crucial in sparing the British driver from serious injury or worse, with Hamilton fully aware of the dangers of the crash.
“I feel very, very fortunate today. Thank God for the halo. That ultimately saved me. And saved my neck," he said after the race.
"I don’t think I have ever been hit on the head by a car before and it is quite a shock for me. If you see the image, my head is quite far forward.
"I have been racing for a long, long time and I am so so grateful I am still here and feel incredibly blessed that someone was watching over me today.”
Verstappen has been issued a three-place grid penalty following the crash, which will be served at the Russian Grand Prix in two-weeks time, and Hamilton praised the decision.
“If that is the result then I think I am ultimately proud of the stewards. It definitely sets a precedent and I think it is important for us moving forwards for the safety of the drivers that there are strict rules set in place.”
Verstappen retains a five-point advantage in the battle for the the Driver's Championship, with seven rounds remaining this season.