Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

'Hamilton knows what racing is, even if Verstappen doesn't agree'

3 January 2022 at 12:03
Last update 3 January 2022 at 14:45
  • GPblog.com

The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has the chance to be the biggest in Formula One history. The title fight has been exciting, but also controversial. This is partly due to the big difference in driving style.

The duel between the two drivers is certainly comparable to previous rivalries, for example between Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen. To make a title fight work, you not only need two great drivers, but also two different driving styles and a different strategy.

Hamilton has been showing fine overtaking skills on track since the beginning of his career, but his driving style has certainly improved over the years. "A clear sense of what he believes constitutes clean racing is a powerful part of Hamilton’s psyche, even if Verstappen might disagree with that," said Edd Straw for the Formula 1 official website. The Briton is always weighing up risk and reward, which is why he often pulls out of battles.

Verstappen is more aggressive

Verstappen's driving style is the opposite of the seven-time world champion: "Verstappen utilises an aggressive approach." This driving style entails a strategy where you try to take advantage of every opportunity there is. Seizing opportunities often ends positively, but the Dutchman has noticed in Saudi Arabia that this is not always the case.