F1 News

Verstappen not working on Hamilton, Hamilton working on Verstappen?

18 March 2022 at 14:53
Last update 18 March 2022 at 17:36
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  • GPblog.com

In 2021, we saw a fiery rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The season was particularly exciting between the two drivers, but Verstappen walked away with the title. Hamilton says he will be more aggressive this year than last.

The rivalry between the two bantams is also being rekindled for this year. F1 fans are looking forward to Hamilton's attempt at revenge on the Dutchman. Before that happens, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes will have to provide their drivers with similar material again. For the time being the relationship between the two teams seems to be a bit lopsided. Mercedes is somewhat behind the times while Red Bull, with reigning world champion Verstappen, does not seem to have much to fear.

Verstappen indifferent, Hamilton more aggressive

The reaction of both drivers to a possible rivalry in 2022 is different. Autosport.com asked Verstappen if he thinks Hamilton will be more aggressive this year. Verstappen: "I don't know. I don't think you should ask me that question." The indifferent answer stands in stark contrast to Hamilton's: "I will be a more aggressive driver this year. Just wait."

Hamilton is already warning his competitors by saying "just wait. Mercedes is of course very familiar with the 'sandbagging' phenomenon, which makes it difficult to assess how the team is actually doing. During the test days, not everything went smoothly for the team. The car seemed reliable, but speed was not yet guaranteed due to the porpoising problem. Also during the first free practice of the Bahrain GP Mercedes was still too much busy looking for solutions than with proper preparation of the race weekend.