Kravitz: We now see Hamilton in the role of Verstappen years ago
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- GPblog.com
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen can safely be called rivals of each other. The two Formula 1 drivers met more than once on the track in recent years, although the dynamic has changed somewhat. Whereas Verstappen had to chase Hamilton for several seasons, the roles are now reversed.
The young Verstappen had to fight with Hamilton in a lesser car each time in his first years in the king class of motorsport. The Mercedes cars were very dominant, but every now and then the 25-year-old Dutchman had the equipment to battle with the seven-time World Champion. Verstappen was not fighting for a world title at the time, however, so he was willing to take bigger risks than Hamilton. And no we see Hamilton in the 'Verstappen role'.
Hamilton taking risks
Kravitz outlined to Sky Sports: "You had the upstart Verstappen challenging him and wanting to get in there. And now you've got Hamilton challenging Verstappen, saying, 'it's no cares given', 'I'm out there to take all the risks', putting it back on the defending champion." Indeed, Hamilton also knows that the Red Bull Racing driver has much more to lose than himself.
In Australia, according to Kravitz, we saw that reflected at the start. Hamilton put his W14 on the inside on the opening lap and Verstappen let his rival pass him, knowing that he would pass him later anyway. "Hamilton knows he's not going to win the championship this year, not unless something really weird happens, so he can go in there and be aggressive with Verstappen, knowing that he is probably going to have to give way."