Verstappen on Hamilton: Relationship isn’t “difficult”, “quite straightforward"

Verstappen on Hamilton: Relationship isn’t “difficult”, “quite straightforward"

 

 

 

Verstappen and Hamilton infamously went heto-head for the title in 2021, clashing on a number of occasions.It ended in dramatic circumstances, with Verstappen benefitting from a poor decision from race control in Abu Dhabi to give him the opportunity to overtake Hamilton for the race lead on the final lap.Where do the big three stand ahead of the F1 season opener? | Bahrain F1 2023Video of Where do the big three stand ahead of the F1 season opener? | Bahrain F1 2023Since then, the pair haven’t had too many tussles given Mercedes’ struggles relative to Red Bull’s dominance.However, they did clash again at the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix when battling for second.In an interview with the Daily Mail, Verstappen was asked to give his opinion on a number of his rivals, including Hamilton.“I don’t think we have a difficult relationship at all,” he said of Hamilton. “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.”Verstappen also labelled Hamilton “as one of the greatest drivers ever”, reiterating his opinion that the British driver “has stood up when he needed to and made the difference”.Related Alonso throws down gauntlet to Red Bull: “Matter of time until Aston challenge” Stroll reveals agony in desperate team radio message

‘He is definitely up there as one of the greatest drivers ever,” Verstappen added. I have no need or desire to deny that.Verstappen on F1 2023 title fight: “I don’t count out Lewis” “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.” 

For motorsport news follow TRmotosports on social media.