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Hamilton wins mental battle: 'Verstappen snarled at media'

19:51, 16 Aug 2021

byGPblog.com

There has been a lot of talk this season about the mental aspect of the battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Opinions are divided as to who handles it best, but most still point to the Brit.

This is what almost all journalists in the article on Formula1.com also. Chris Medland sees that at the moment Hamilton knows how to deal with everything outside the circuit a lot better than the Dutchman.

"Right now, Hamilton. It's impossible to say otherwise. I don't think Red Bull's war of words in the press is helping to keep Max's focus where it needs to be. As Hamilton and Mercedes have been preaching for years, you need to focus on yourself and yourself alone. Let the others do what they want, you just have to do your best and focus on that alone."

Verstappen snarls at journalists

Will Buxton saw Verstappen lose the mental battle off the track especially over the last two race weekends.

"Hamilton is using his vast experience to come out on top here. He's well-schooled in playing the long game, which is why he was the one who pulled out to avoid getting together with Verstappen in Imola, Portimao and Barcelona. And in the aftermath of their Silverstone clash, Hamilton was relaxed, while Verstappen seemed to crack under pressure and snarl at journalists when discussing the incident."

In two weeks' time, the battle between Verstappen and Hamilton will continue in Belgium. This will be followed by a race in the Netherlands. Both circuits will be mostly filled with fans of Verstappen.