During the 2021 season, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton became fierce rivals in the quest to become champions. However, just 6 years ago, the Dutchman sought help from Hamilton’s championship-winning car to improve his race craft.
The 2x champion is an avid sim racer, and he is known to spend hours in front of the screen to perfect his driving. But during his Toro Rosso years, he was unable to practice with his car in the simulator.
As a result, Verstappen drove his rival’s Mercedes, as per a resurfaced video of him. The driver even apologized to Red Bull for driving their bitter rival’s car.
An old video shows Max Verstappen practicing on Lewis Hamilton’s car
F1 drivers often hit the simulator to perfect their driving skills and nail the perfect lap before they hit the race track. Max Verstappen explained that his simulator is the first thing he reached after a race weekend.
In a 2015 interview, the driver claims that driving in the sim is more fun for him than training. He spends over 3 to 4 hours in the sim, sometimes without taking a break.
However, the Dutchman’s simulator had one problem; it did not feature his Toro Rosso car. Acknowledging the fact that he was sim racing as Hamilton on the screen, Verstappen apologized saying, “I’m Sorry Toro Rosso.”
But it is these hours of practice in the Briton’s car that improved Verstappen’s racecraft. And in 2021, he would dethrone the 7x world champion to start his phase of domination in F1.
Hamilton believes Verstappen can break his records
After defeating Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 title clash, Max Verstappen has enjoyed absolute dominance in F1. The Dutchman cruised with 15 wins in the 2022 season to claim his 2nd championship.
The 2x champion is already Red Bull’s most successful race winner, with 41 Grand Prix victories to his name. Recently, the Dutchman leveled Ayrton Senna’s 41-win tally after winning the 2023 Canadian GP.
In the meantime, Hamilton and Mercedes have slumped in form. The 8-time constructor’s champions have been unable to provide the Briton with a race-winning car since the 2022 regulations change. Hamilton too hasn’t won a race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.
The Briton has broken most of the F1 records and has the most titles to his name. However, the 7x world champion believes Verstappen will surpass his tally if continues his sensational form for a few more years.
Hamilton claimed at the Canadian GP press conference, “He’s got a very long career ahead of him so absolutely. Ultimately, records are there to be broken. And he’s got an amazing team.”
Red Bull has won every race in the 2023 season until the Canadian GP. Verstappen has won 6 of the 8 races. If the driver continues his winning streak, he could beat his 2022 record for most wins and seal his 3rd title early.
