“Of course, we had a big rivalry in 2021…” Max Verstappen sheds light on his relationship with Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen recently discussed his relationship with 2021 title rival Lewis Hamilton, where he felt that it was 'quite straightforward'.

“Of course, we had a big rivalry in 2021…” Max Verstappen sheds light on his relationship with Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen (L) | Lewis Hamilton (R)

Much has been made of the relationship between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, especially since the events of the 2021 season finale. In Abu Dhabi, the Dutchman beat the seven-time world champion literally on the last lap after a late safety car period. Controversy followed, with some wanting the result to be changed because the restart did not follow the safety car rules, but ultimately, it stood.

Since then, it’s often been said that the pair of them are not very fond of each other. Their relationship was never particularly close, but it’s even been alleged that the two hate each other. However, the drivers themselves have always denied that. Hamilton earlier had made it clear that he doesn’t have a problem with Verstappen, but did not rule that the Dutchman might have one with him, though he ‘assumed not’. Verstappen responded, making it clear he doesn’t have an issue with Hamilton.

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Giving his verdict on potential title rivals to the ‘Daily Mail’, Verstappen said of Hamilton: “I don’t think we have a difficult relationship at all. It is quite straightforward. It’s just that with others you have a closer relationship. It depends to an extent on how you live your life, and perhaps we are not similar in that regard. Of course, we had a big rivalry in 2021 but ultimately we do have a lot of respect for each other.”

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Read More: Max Verstappen refuses to rule out a potential title rematch with Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen concurs: Lewis Hamilton one of the ‘greatest drivers ever’

Lewis Hamilton (L) with Max Verstappen (R) after the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton (L) with Max Verstappen (R) after the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Now, both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are multiple-time world champions. It was the Dutchman who, narrowly, stopped Hamilton from taking the outright record of the most championships won by a driver. Currently, he has seven world titles, and basically, everyone in their right mind would agree that he is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers ever. Verstappen concurs.

The 2022 world champion said: “He is definitely up there as one of the greatest drivers ever. I have no need or desire to deny that. Consistency is his key, and staying on top of his game. That is not so hard when you are so talented; it doesn’t take a lot of effort to do that. The way he has managed his championships is very impressive. He has stood up when he needed to and made the difference.”

In 2023, though currently, it does not look good for Mercedes, the two may go up against each other again. In 2022, they clashed while battling at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. It seems that fireworks are always in store whenever these two are concerned. But at least in Bahrain, it’s not likely the two go up against each other – though Verstappen is not ruling out a potential title challenge from Hamilton.

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