Published 15:26 IST, November 2nd 2019
Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton: Latest feud could spark new rivalry
Max Verstappen has been in on Lewis Hamilton's throat this past week after Mercedes star driver called him crash magnet and commented on his driving style.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
Lewis Hamilton is one of the most decorated Formula 1 drivers in the current set up. The British driver already has five World Championships to his name and is on the verge of claiming his sixth title if he wins the title at United States Grand Prix or if he finishes eighth or better will do for him. A win in Austin will bring him within one of Michael Schumacher’s record haul of seven.
The 34-year-old's ride towards the title hasn't been without an intense rivalry with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. With the five-time World Champion announcing his intention to stay in the sport for at least the next two years, the rivalry will only get more intense in the future.
The Dutch driver has been in on Hamilton's throat this past week after Mercedes star driver's comment on his driving style. Verstappen responded by claiming that the current World Champion was disrespectful with comments he made after winning the Mexican Grand Prix and that he is in Hamilton’s head
While the Mercedes team has been dominant on track, Hamilton's rivalry with Verstappen on track is a breath of fresh air in what is sometimes a dull sport.
During the Mexican Grand Prix, the 21-year-old collided with Valtteri Bottas on the opening lap of the race due to which he was criticised by Hamilton, who called Verstappen a crash “magnet".
Lewis Hamilton's F1 rivalries in the past
This is not the first time that Lewis Hamilton has had an intense rivalry and fierce battle. In the past as well, he has been in such a position with his former teammate Nico Rosberg in 2016. The tension between the two was so high that the pair did not even speak in the team’s canteen.
In 2007, Hamilton had quite a battle with Fernando Alonso also his teammate at McLaren. They had their face-off in Canada and Indianapolis before both ended up making mistakes that resulted in a loss of points and wins. The duo eventually lost to Kimi Raikkonen, with the Finn taking his first Championship crown at Ferrari.
The whole F1 world will be keeping a close eye on both the drivers (Hamilton and Verstappen) during the US Grand Prix and the remaining races of the season as the battle between the two is the one to be watched in future.
Updated 14:29 IST, November 3rd 2019