Lewis Hamilton and Pastor Maldonado traded blows during the second qualifying session, resulting in damage to both cars.
Maldonado drew alongside the McLaren as they exited La Source before the Venezuelan swiped across the track, hitting the side of the MP4-26 and damaging Hamilton’s front-wing.
Hamilton denies having any part in the action, which is likely to attract the attention of the stewards.
“I was coming through the exit of turn one and I saw Maldonado approaching quite quickly,” he said after Q3. “He came past, he came around me, and I didn’t move anywhere but he happened to swipe across me.
“I don’t know whether it was intentional or not but I guess we’ll see shortly. I just said I’m going to sit here and wait for the stewards to call me up rather than go back to the brand centre.”
The damage to Hamilton’s McLaren was quite substantial, but a quick fix, including some black tape, kept his car together for the final session in which he managed P2.
“The front wing was quite badly damaged, my sidepod, and I thought my front suspension was damaged. I think the front toeing is probably a little bit out.
“Fortunately the guys did a great job and put it back together.
“I just think once the flag is out and the red lights are on there’s no need to be racing. There should never, ever be an incident and unfortunately there was.”
It’s not certain if the FIA will allow McLaren to make repairs before the race.
Maldonado also denies blame, saying the contact was unnecessary and unfortunate.
“It was a difficult moment, there was no reason from my side to have contact and from the side of Lewis. It wasn’t rainy conditions and we need to understand what happened. There was no need for contact after the chequered flag.”
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