Verstappen would have “nothing to prove” if Hamilton becomes his teammate
As the rumor of Hamilton's transfer at the beginning of the season resurfaces after an interview with Christian Horner, Max Verstappen says that he would have nothing to prove by having Lewis Hamilton as a teammate at Red Bull.
The story gains even more momentum, after Hamilton revealed that Red Bull boss Christian Horner had contacted him earlier this year, noting that he had missed the message at the time and therefore did not follow up. A few weeks later, Hamilton signed a new deal with Mercedes, while Sergio Perez’s existing contract means he will continue with Red Bull for another season in 2024.
Asked during a press conference by the FIA about the possibility of having Hamilton as a teammate someday, Verstappen clearly stated that he was not interested in all these stories. “What would knowing that add?” said Verstappen before adding, “Because it’s not happening. So, there’s no point in inventing stories if it doesn’t happen,” explained the Red Bull driver.
Later, during a press session with the Dutch media, Verstappen was once again questioned on the subject. “I’m not interested at all,” he said. “I wasn’t even aware of these stories when I was asked about it during my last press conference. But I don’t care. We don’t even need to talk about it, because it will never happen.”
In response to the suggestion that beating Hamilton in an equal machine would be a statement, Verstappen questioned, “But what do I have to prove? I have nothing to prove, I think.” He also downplayed the prospect of an intra-team battle with Hamilton that would be exciting for F1 fans, saying, “There will always be excuses if one driver is faster than the other. Like, ‘Yes, but he’s too old now and stuff like that.’ Fans always find something to say. It’s the same now.”
Today, people say that I earn too much. But if you don’t earn, they will say “The team needs to do a better job”. There are always stories to create to talk about something else, replies Verstappen, clearly annoyed by all of this.
And when his former Toro Rosso boss, Franz Tost’s comments about him were mentioned, saying that he could beat any teammate given to him, Verstappen added, “Well, I believe in myself, of course. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, it’s better to quit.”
