Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were part of one of the most heated title battles in F1 history in 2021. The two of them went toe to toe for the championship, and they were so evenly matched that they entered the final round in Abu Dhabi level on points.
In the season finale that year, Verstappen managed to come out on top after what was a controversial finish to the race. Hamilton and the entire Mercedes camp were furious, but the Red Bull ace managed to secure his first world championship that evening.
That extraordinary final lap of the 2021 title race in full 😮#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/kknTMDfpAF
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2021
When the events of that infamous evening in Abu Dhabi are taken into account along with the many clashes Verstappen and Hamilton had throughout the course of that season, many people assume that they can’t stand each other. Verstappen, however, insists that the rivalry they developed was limited to only when they were out on the track.
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Max Verstappen denies having difficult relationship with Hamilton
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Verstappen spoke about his 2021 rivalry with Hamilton. The Dutch driver admitted their on-track battles were very fierce but was adamant about the fact that they have a lot of respect for each other.
Talking about their relationship right now, Verstappen denied having any problems whatsoever. He said that they don’t have a difficult relationship and despite their huge rivalry two years ago, they share mutual respect.
Nothing but respect from these two!
They’ve given us a season none of us will ever forget 👏 pic.twitter.com/V0En5BR1O0
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 12, 2021
Verstappen added to his comments by calling Hamilton one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time and feels that consistency is the reason behind his prolonged greatness.
“The way he has managed his championships is very impressive,” said Verstappen. “He has stood up when he needed to and made the difference.”
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Verstappen vs Hamilton in 2023?
2022 was an extremely difficult year for Mercedes and Hamilton. The 38-year-old failed to win a single F1 race throughout a season for the first time ever in his career, as he struggled to get up to speed in his underperforming W13.
Heading into the 2023 season, Hamilton will be hoping that the W14 is much better than its predecessor. He is looking to fight for his eighth world championship, which would officially make him the most successful and decorated F1 driver of all time.
Verstappen meanwhile, followed up on his 2021 title win by dominating last year’s championship too. His title battle with Hamilton went down to the wire, but in 2022, Verstappen retained crown with four races remaining. On paper, the 25-year-old and Red Bull are the favorites to win both championships once again.
