The “fascinating” role reversal between Hamilton and Verstappen
If we recall the fierce battle between the two men in 2021, it was customary to see a more secure Hamilton, in a dominant car since 2014, contrary to a young Verstappen who was hungry to win his first title.
A move that didn’t please Verstappen
Logical winner of the Australian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, achieving his 37th career victory, criticized Lewis Hamilton for not respecting the racing rules during their encounter at the third turn at the start. To such an extent that the Dutchman claims he only sought to avoid contact with the seven-time world champion.
“I didn’t want to have any damage to my car because I knew we had a fast car. So, even losing one or two positions wasn’t the end of the world,” Verstappen said.
The regulation is very clear about what is allowed – what is allowed now outside.
But it is clear that it is not respected. This is something to take into account for the next races.
On the other hand, Hamilton disputes and claims that both drivers gave each other space «, without touching or going off the track.
« I didn’t make him go off the track, and he didn’t turn against me. We didn’t touch each other and that’s racing, added the Mercedes driver.
In the end, the Dutch driver managed to overtake Hamilton on the 12th lap of the race, notably with the help of his DRS, which gives him an “astonishing” top speed.
Old rivals fighting hard ⚔️
Who doesn’t love to see @LewisHamilton and @Max33Verstappen take each other on?!#AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ADPgC6s1Ir
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 4, 2023
Old rivals fighting hard ⚔️
Who doesn’t love to see Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen take each other on?! #AusGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ADPgC6s1Ir
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 4, 2023
A situation that has been reversed
The English journalist, Ted Kravitz, emphasized after this third round of the season, how much the two men have reversed their roles compared to recent years.
“What’s fascinating to me,” comments Kravitz, “is that we now have a complete reversal of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton’s seasons from 2014 to 2021, when Hamilton was aiming for the championship while knowing he had the fastest car and had to play it safe.”
« You had the arriviste Verstappen who challenged him and wanted to get involved in the race. And now, you have Hamilton challenging Verstappen, saying ‘it’s not a gentle stroke’, I’m here to take all the risks’, putting pressure back on the reigning champion. »
« Hamilton knows he won’t win the championship this year, unless something really strange happens, so he can go for it and be aggressive with Verstappen, knowing that he will probably have to give up his position. »
