Hamilton predicts a tougher duel with Verstappen
The duel between Hamilton and Verstappen is not over. It promises to be even tougher according to the Briton.
The battle rages at the top of the standings. Only eight points separate Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The championship lead remains undecided, and the duel between the two drivers promises to be even more intense.
Hamilton arrives this weekend in the lead, but the Briton is more cautious than at the beginning of the year facing Verstappen who wants to regain his authority in the standings. He acknowledges the superiority of Red Bull and their more performing car than his. The seven-time world champion is nevertheless happy with the work done with his team to come back fighting.
« We knew how good Red Bull would be at the beginning. We saw their speed and competitiveness in the past. Of course, as we went through the season, they became stronger and it became more and more difficult for us. We had a more complicated period, but we started to function again as we did in the past.
Regarding his duel with Verstappen, the British driver expects a tougher battle than in the first part of the season. He is aware of his opponent’s temperament, the Dutchman never giving up and aiming to bounce back after scoring only two points in two races.
« The first part was certainly one of the most difficult and I expect the same in the second, or even more difficult. »
No difference between fighting with a teammate or another driver
When it comes to comparing his duel against a teammate – with Nico Rosberg in 2016 – and fighting against a driver from another team, Hamilton thinks there is no difference, except internally. The journey between races seems calmer when it’s not his teammate also fighting for the title.
« It’s exactly the same thing. But it’s a different journey that you take when it’s internal. The journey you take with a small group of characters within your own team, as opposed to an entire team fighting against another, is a much better dynamic. A more enjoyable journey.
Formula 1 is back this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix. Hamilton will be looking to win his fifth victory of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, while Verstappen will want to make up for the points lost due to accidents before the break.
