Verstappen: 'Maybe good for Hamilton to switch environments'
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After Red Bull could dominate in 2023, in this season, rival frontrunners could close the gap to the Austrians. Still, Max Verstappen could keep his lead in the drivers' standings to win his fourth world title. Defending his title next season, the Dutchman also see Hamilton could be in the mix at Ferrari.
Between 2014 and 2020, Mercedes won every title available in Formula 1, but suddenly there was Verstappen and Red Bull Racing in 2021. "They were the established force. They had won so much and for us we came in, we wanted to try and be better. We were trying to match them and to have that year in 2021 I think was really cool," Verstappen began to looking back at his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton to Mirror Sport.
"A lot of pressure, a lot of tense moments between the teams but of course I think it was a great rivalry at the time with two amazing teams going up against each other. That's something that I will always appreciate," Verstappen revisited the topic fondly, also praising their rivals at the time.
On Hamilton to Ferrari
After the regulation change of 2022, Mercedes struggled to compete for titles in F1. Hamilton also could not win a Grand Prix for 2.5 years. At Silverstone this season, the Briton could finally cross the finish line in first place for the first time since the 2021 Saudi Arabia GP. Could the Briton be a contender next season with Ferrari? "It's difficult to say. It all depends on how competitive Ferrari are as well. I do feel that when Lewis has a good car he gets more motivated naturally. That's how it is," Verstappen explained.
Hamilton will complete his final weekend in Abu Dhabi, after spending more than a decade with Mercedes. The Dutchman believes the transfer could turn out to be very useful for the seven-time champion. "Maybe it's good for him to have a little switch of scenery and new motivation because I don't think he will ever lose it. It's just how you use it. I think it's still going to be a very competitive season. A lot can happen. For us as well, it's very unknown how competitive we are going to be against each other right now but that makes it also very exciting once the cars are ready," Verstappen concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Corwin Kunst
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