The Hamilton – Verstappen relationship is in great shape
After a very tumultuous and high-tension 2021 season between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, it seems that the conflicts between the two drivers are behind them.
After an intense 2021 season, both drivers seem to have made peace. Just over a year after the Silverstone crash that led to strong tensions between the two drivers, both protagonists appear before the press in a peaceful manner. Friendly gestures are multiplying on and off the track.
During an interview on Canal+ with Max Verstappen, Jean Alesi pointed out to Verstappen that he was attacking Charles Leclerc less aggressively.
Your fights with Charles seem cleaner than the ones with Lewis.
Max Verstappen then defended himself by explaining what had changed between last season and this season. “I have been competing against Charles for much longer. And since the cars have changed, it’s not the same anymore,” said Max Verstappen.
He continued by talking about the performances as well as the possibilities of overtaking and defending thanks to the new cars.
“Before, we only had one chance to overtake. Now we have more chances to attack and defend,” explains the reigning world champion.
According to him, the aggressive attacks and defenses last year between him and Hamilton were therefore due to the low possibility of overtaking his direct opponents. With more opportunities, both drivers could have taken much fewer risks to avoid crashes between them, the intense tensions that existed within the circuit, and thus produce a healthier rivalry.
A podium in Hungary revealing
In Hungary, Hamilton and Verstappen climbed back onto the podium, for the second time in a row. Verstappen greeted Hamilton before the interview, and Hamilton even gave him a hug. This less tense behavior between the two drivers is the first display of respect shown since the Abu Dhabi 2021 showdown.
On the podium, the top three of the Grand Prix clink their glasses of sparkling wine. This time in Hungary, the three drivers toasted together, with Hamilton even generously spraying Verstappen.
These beautiful images shown on television are also here to remind us that Formula 1 is just a sport.
