Lewis Hamilton doubts that Max Verstappen would like this idea. The British record world champion in Formula 1 sees no difficulties in driving in a team with the currently dominant old and new champion.
“I would be more than happy to race against Max in the same car. That would be wonderful,” he said, referring to the starting situation being practically the same for both of them. “But I think he doesn’t want me as his teammate,” added the 38-year-old Hamilton. And the Mercedes superstar said it with a smile. He will also drive for the Mercedes team in 2024 and 2025.
Hamilton relaxed
Hamilton was quite relaxed about the speculation sparked by Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner in the British newspaper “Daily Mail” that Hamilton’s entourage contacted Red Bull before his contract extension, along with a clear denial. “There are a lot of people who like to drop my name in conversations because they know it will make waves,” explained the Brit in the paddock for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Where he had to accept one of his heaviest defeats two years ago, when he was overtaken and dethroned by Verstappen on the last lap of the last race as a result of a much-discussed decision by the race director, he could now not resist a verbal attack against Horner. However, he did not explicitly mention his name again. “When you’re a little lonely and don’t get much attention, saying my name is perfect.”
A little later, Red Bull Racing uploaded the video to Instagram again that showed Horner seconds during the decisive race phase and during Verstappen’s triumph in 2021. Of course, it could only have been a coincidence, but it doesn’t have to be. It is clear that the already tense atmosphere between the current industry leader Red Bull and the previously dominant Mercedes team is only likely to cool down slightly over the winter break.
