Ever since Max Verstappen entered the Formula One industry, the career of the British driver, Lewis Hamilton, has turned into a visible battleground. Despite the absence of any overly aggressive display of rivalry on camera, fans have picked up the increasing tension between the two both off and on the paddock.
However, both drivers, with Max Verstappen being particularly outspoken, have emphasized that the rivalry is entirely professional and not personal in any way.
Max Verstappen talks on winning eight F1 titles
Max Verstappen has clearly emphasized the fact that he is not interested in staying in the Formula One industry for so long, as he clearly has other plans besides it. Recently, he stated that he would ignite his own future by opening a GT team and giving young, talented drivers a blissful opportunity to shine in their careers.
However, if the Dutch sensation continues to dominate the upcoming years until 2028 without any inconsistency, there is highly likely a chance to become an eight-time World Champion in four years from now.
"You need to be lucky to be in a great car for a longer period of time. You’re very dependent on the material you have."
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) January 21, 2024
Max Verstappen has been quizzed on overhauling Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles… #F1 #Formula1 https://t.co/Vt7fkezJei
Although, when asked if he wanted to surpass the seven consecutive win tally set by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, his response was rather unsettling. He said, “If it happens, it happens.”
“But you need to be lucky to be in a great car for a longer period of time. You’re very dependent on the material you have. When I won my first title, I said, Everything that comes next is a bonus because, realistically, in F1, I’ve achieved everything that I wanted to achieve.”
Max Verstappen sheds light on Lewis Hamilton rivalry
Red Bull and Mercedes have had a fierce rivalry for a prolonged period of time; however, it intensified upon the arrival of the Dutch sensation, Max Verstappen. Despite being so close to retirement, Lewis Hamilton has still not had the opportunity to clinch an eight-stroke victory due to the remarkable victories owned by the Red Bull driver.
Max Verstappen on whether his rivarly with Lewis Hamilton is personal
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) January 21, 2024
"I don't need that kind of rivalry. Of course we want to beat each other, but honestly, once we're in a private setting it's like just normal guys."
[@thetimes] pic.twitter.com/tLk53W0iGy
However, both drivers have profusely denied the existence of any sort of rivalry between them. Verstappen said to the Times, “I don’t need that kind of rivalry. Of course we want to beat each other, but honestly, once we’re in a private setting it’s like just normal guys.”
Do you think the upcoming 2024 season will tend to be a game changer for Mercedes and Hamilton? Let us know in the comment section below.
