Home F1 Max Verstappen questioned about his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton and the possibility of targeting an eighth title

Max Verstappen questioned about his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton and the possibility of targeting an eighth title

F1 — 01/22/2024

Verstappen and Hamilton: Beyond the Rivalry

But they're not there yet, so why should I stop?": Max Verstappen shares a hilarious anecdote from his road license test

In a recent interview, Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, opened up about his relationship with fellow racer Lewis Hamilton, emphasizing their camaraderie when away from the racetrack. Despite their intense rivalry during the 2021 season, Verstappen highlighted that, in private settings, they are “just normal guys.”

The 2021 season witnessed a fierce battle between Red Bull’s Verstappen and Mercedes’ Hamilton, marking one of the most heated and dramatic title races in recent F1 history. While Hamilton’s competitiveness has faced challenges due to Mercedes’ adjustments to ground effect regulations, both drivers are still regarded as the cream of the crop in the sport.

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Verstappen, who has been enjoying a record-breaking dominance since clinching his first title, expressed his disinterest in fostering unnecessary rivalry, stating to The Times, “I don’t need that kind of rivalry.” Despite heated exchanges between Red Bull and Mercedes during the title battle, Verstappen highlighted the normalcy of their interactions in private.

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The Dutch driver, known for his nonchalant attitude toward records and statistics, downplayed the significance of his achievements. Despite his recent strategy in Abu Dhabi aiming for 1,000 laps led in a single season, Verstappen stressed that records have never been his primary focus. Questions about his longevity in F1 and his plans to explore other categories in the future were also addressed, with Verstappen remaining non-committal about surpassing the championship tally set by Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

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“If it happens, it happens,” Verstappen commented, acknowledging the role of luck and the importance of being in a great car for an extended period. Reflecting on his achievements in Formula 1, he stated, “From now on, I’m just, yeah, trying to stay on top.” Verstappen’s laid-back approach to his career and his camaraderie with Hamilton provide a unique perspective on the dynamic between two of F1’s most accomplished drivers.