F1 News
Verstappen respects Hamilton: 'One of the best ever'
- GPblog.com
It was telling about the 'relationship' between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton: after Verstappen secured his second world title in Japan, fellow drivers stopped by one by one to congratulate him with a hug. Hamilton kept it to a handshake and a tentative smile.
There seems to be a pattern. Once a driver really becomes a rival to Hamilton, the friendliness is over. Just ask Fernando Alonso or Nico Rosberg. Verstappen will never be friends with the Brit again either, so much is clear. Still Hamilton often talks about 'them' when referring to Verstappen. At times, he does mention Verstappen by name, but it still always sounds distant.
Smile
The English tabloid The Mail on Sunday - never averse to some controversy - asked Verstappen about it. "People have told me he doesn't use my name," Verstappen said with a smile. "I was always taught that you have to respect what people have achieved in sport. I have no problem with what Lewis has achieved. He is one of the best ever. I know it is not only the car he has been driving. That helps. We all know that, but you still have to beat your team-mate and Lewis has done that consistently. I think you have to acknowledge the person has done an amazing job as well."
Verstappen and Hamilton could add a new chapter to their rivalry in Mexico on Sunday. Verstappen starts from pole, while Hamilton begins the race from third. All the ingredients for a great fight seem to be in place.