Motor racing-Verstappen penalised for crash, Hamilton saved by halo

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 12, 2021 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after crashing out of the race with Red Bull's Max Verstappen REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

(Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton said he felt fortunate to be alive after a collision with Formula One title rival Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Stewards handed Red Bull's championship leader Verstappen a three place grid penalty for the next round in Russia after his car landed on top of Hamilton's Mercedes, with the rear tyre hitting the champion's head.