Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have decorated the history of this sport with their intense rivalry. It all started in 2021, when 7x champion, Hamilton went up against arguably his biggest challenge yet in Verstappen as he set his sights on that elusive 8th title. The duo fought tooth-and-nail throughout the season, and had a handful of explosive moments, too. It all came down to the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi. Equal on points as they headed to the last race of the season, the one who prevailed over the other would be crowned champion of the world.
In the end, Verstappen clinched his maiden F1 title, in controversial circumstances. Ever since that fateful night at Abu Dhabi, the Dutch lion has gone on to secure two more titles, wracking his tally up to three. On the other hand, the 2022 regulations reset hit the Silver Arrows the hardest, and since, Hamilton hasn’t been able to even compete for wins, let alone another shot at the title.
While Verstappen wants to retain his crown, Hamilton is desperate to regain his throne. Naturally, the rivalry between the duo is still as intense as ever and the tension is palpable, though, given their differing fortunes, the dynamic has changed shape.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton share a different relationship behind the scenes
On track, the duo would not even want to give an inch to the other. However, according to the Chairman of the stewards, Tom Mayer, there is an unmistakable amount of respect the two share when the cameras are off. “I can tell you, when we have two world champions in the stewards’ room , that the mutual respect is enormous,” he divulged to the F1 Nation Podcast (as quoted by F1Maximaal.nl).
Mayer believes that the respect that the two have for each other translates into an honest and open relationship. Mayer continued, “They must speak the truth to each other. They interact very differently with each other than when they come to the stewards with someone new.”
They may be cutthroat rivals on the track, but the lighthearted moments on the podium or in the press conferences captured on tape substantiates Mayer’s observations about the inherent camaraderie they share when the helmets are off.
Verstappen has only one gripe when it comes to Hamilton’s approach
Verstappen has immense respect for the man he’s gone up against. In an interview with Motorsport.com (as quoted by Sports Illustrated), Verstappen revealed, “I always respect Lewis a lot for what he has achieved in the sport, but that’s why I don’t really understand why we cannot really race like I’ve been doing with the others.”
The Dutch lion feels that Hamilton doesn’t race the way he does. And maybe that’s why, more often than not, they’ve come together while fighting for the same piece of tarmac. “With everyone I’ve been fighting, it’s been really hard, aggressive battles and we never really came together. Somehow, with Lewis, it’s a different story. And I honestly don’t understand.”
If Mercedes can get their act together in 2024, Hamilton may once again be able to go toe-to-toe with Verstappen for a title. Safe to say, when that happens, Verstappen’s biggest fears may come true as he sees Hamilton hurtling down towards him in his rear-view mirrors.
