When it comes to rivalries in Formula One, the first one that comes to mind from recent times is the infamous battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The two nemeses shared an intense championship battle going down to the last race in Abu Dhabi in 2021, with Verstappen eventually emerging as the victor.

The 2023 season has turned out to be extremely different, with Verstappen far ahead of the rest of the grid, winning his third consecutive title unopposed. When asked by the Swiss Newspaper Blick if he missed the wheel-to-wheel battles with Hamilton, the Dutchman said no, saying he was extremely happy with how the 2023 season went by.

I don't miss the duels with Hamilton. Of course, I appreciate the battles that we have had in the past, but I am happy with how the season went and I appreciate the successes that I can celebrate together with the team.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by formulapassion.it

Verstappen and Hamilton have had their fair share of scraps even since the 2021 controversy, being the intense rivals they are. The two are at opposing ends of their career right now, with Hamilton nearing his final few years and Verstappen seemingly about to embark on the most historical few years in F1 history.

Jos Verstappen claims 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was a “fantastic race” despite Mercedes woes

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix changed the dynamics of the F1 paddock altogether. With the opinions of most figures int he sport split between Mercedes’ protests and Red Bull’s arguments to stick with the FIA’s decisions in the title decided that saw Max Verstappen take his 4th tile. 

One person who had no qualms about expressing his opinion was Jos Verstappen, the reigning three-time champon’s father. Jos Verstappen claimed the 2021 race at Yas Marina was “fantastc” despite Mercedes’ protests over the results and extreme disappointment.

For the fans of Formula 1 and, of course, speaking as Max’s Dad, it couldn’t been better. It was so exciting until the last moment. Of course, for us, the outcome was nice. I can imagine, for Lewis and Toto, it’s not as nice. But that’s how it is, you know, you have to accept it.

Jos Verstappen said, as reported by planetf1a

The battle that went on till the final lap of the race marked the culmination of one of the best seasons ever of F1, with drama and rivalry involved till the end. Verstappen and Hamilton have tried to cast away their differences though.

In case you missed it:

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