Verstappen and Hamilton in their own league in Imola: "Masterclass"

Hamilton versus Verstappen

In Bahrain, it was already clear that Verstappen and Hamilton would battle it out for the world title in 2021, and in Imola that feeling was confirmed. Once again the top drivers from Mercedes and Red Bull Racing battled it out, and this time there was even contact. How far will Hamilton and Verstappen be prepared to go?

''That sort of aggression from Lewis, he knows that Verstappen is his Championship rival. When you're fighting with your rival, you can take more risks. If you get it wrong, you're probably going to take both of you out. If you're fighting your championship rivals, you can get your elbows out a bit more," Palmer said in the podcast Chequered Flag.

Rain Kings

''It was very ambitious of Lewis trying to hold the outside because Max would never have allowed that. I actually thought this would end in tears. However, this aggressiveness is something I am looking forward to for the next races.''

Whereas people often want to talk about the best driver of all time, Palmer thinks that discussion is nonsense. In the rain, you see who the best drivers are, and according to the Brit Verstappen and Hamilton both stood out. ''They were in a league of their own. A race like this separates the good Formula 1 drivers and the very best F1 drivers. Where were Perez and Bottas with the same cars as the leaders? A masterclass in the wet," Palmer concludes.