Three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart has criticised Max Verstappen for the Dutchman's role in the Italian Grand Prix crash he had with Lewis Hamilton at the weekend.

Max and Lewis' title fight is proving every bit as engrossing as we had hoped it would and, perhaps predictably, we've now seen a couple of incidents where they have collided on circuit.

Silverstone was the first, and Monza was the second at the weekend - with the stewards deeming that particular incident as Max's fault.

Indeed, he now goes into the Russian Grand Prix weekend in just under two weeks from now with a three-place grid penalty for his troubles, whilst Sir Jackie has also given him a bit of a dressing down in an interview via the Daily Mail.

The legendary Scotsman said:

"Verstappen is taking longer than expected to mature. Not even to go to see Hamilton after a serious accident when you have just driven over the top of the guy is something I don't really understand. Especially when he is still in his car and remained there for a long time before getting out.

"Max has quite a lot to learn. But who will he listen to?

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"He's very, very good. He's probably the fastest driver on the grid now, but to be a proper champion you cannot be entangling yourself in crashes all the time.

"For Christ's sake, don't do it again. Just because you are leading the world championship, it doesn't mean you are bulletproof.

"The stewards have more information, but if they were so certain Verstappen was entirely to blame then why does he only get a three-place penalty?

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"If it weren't for the halo, Lewis could have died, and the supposed culprit only gets a slap on the wrist!"

Certainly, footage after the crash showed how well the halo once again did its job in saving Hamilton from serious injury, with Verstappen's rear-right Pirelli tyre still partially being cushioned by the Briton's crash helmet.

It's not the first time this season Stewart has said drivers are taking too many liberties with safety, either, and we'll just have to hope that the remainder of this season is decided by driving skill rather than crashes and accidents.