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Hamilton finds a blame: 'That was changed when Verstappen joined F1'
Lewis Hamilton insists Max Verstappen will continue with his driving style until the rules or circuits change. The Dutchman's style has been in the spotlight since he was penalised for two actions during the Mexican Grand Prix. The British driver recalls how he experienced it first-hand in the 2021 World Championship battle.
The driving standards and guidelines have been discussed in detail during Formula 1's current triple header. First Norris was penalised for overtaking Verstappen off the track in Austin with a five-second penalty. Discussion took place ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, with the FIA being open to making changes but not immediately. Verstappen got penalised for a similar action in Mexico but was hit with a ten-second penalty.
Hamilton admitted Mercedes hasn't been able to fight many other teams due to their current performance levels, but he was able to draw on his experience with Verstappen in 2021. This included the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, where both drivers were seen off the track in an overtaking battle.
"The rules are still the same as they were back in 2021. So what we saw in 2021 with myself and Max is still happening today and will continue until perhaps they make a change. All you have to do is go and listen to some of my radio comments back in the day. It's not something I want to tap into. It's nothing to do with me at the moment. If I was in the battle, I could lean in more. But you'd have to ask those two because it's affecting them. But I don't think you have seen much difference from 2021, it's pretty much the same," Hamilton said.
What does Hamilton think needs to change in F1?
"All the runoff areas don't help. If it was gravel or grass, they wouldn't be doing that all the way out there. So it'll be interesting to see the development. I wouldn't say Formula 1's got any more aggressive. When I first got to Formula 1, I was racing with Fernando [Alonso] who was very firm and tough to beat on track. The only difference is, is that the tracks now have these runoff areas. When I joined we didn't have these big runoff areas. You really had to build up to the limit you couldn't go beyond it, go off track and come back on," Hamilton explained.
"Maybe around Max's time or maybe just before where they started having these big, big runoff areas where the younger drivers were able to come on and really abuse those areas by not putting the car on grass, for example. I think that gave them a real good cushion of bedding themselves into the sport and finding the limit as well," Hamilton concluded.