Although there was brief concern that the seven-time world champion would be hit with another damaging punishment, the FIA eventually handed him a £5,000 fine.
As such, the gap in the drivers’ standings narrowed from 19 points to 14 in Brazil, despite Mercedes suffering a catalogue of mishaps over the course of the weekend.
Team boss Toto Wolff’s built up anger became obvious when Hamilton made the crucial race-winning overtake, pointing angrily down the camera in defiant jubilation.
Hamilton himself was understandably delighted after a precious victory, and things could get even better for him if Verstappen is handed punishment for his role in the lap 48 incident.