Wolff sees change: 'Hamilton has decided he's not going to back down anymore'

During the Italian Grand Prix, Hamiton and Verstappen collided hard, forcing both drivers to watch the remainder of the race from the sidelines. "Two men are fighting for a championship, you can't expect them to do it with velvet gloves," the Mercedes team boss judged vs. The Telegraph. "Sometimes you have to hold back like Lewis did in Monza on the first lap. Max could have done the same later on. But I am not objective, so it is difficult for me to make a fair judgement."

Wolff notices that Hamilton now has a different way of thinking. Where he drove more defensively at first, according to the team boss, he does take the risk in recent races. "Lewis has decided that he won't back down anymore if he feels the corner is his. It takes two to tango. They have to understand each other on the track. Good drivers recognise good drivers."

Verstappen versus Hamilton

Hamilton has just five points to make up against his rival. He could grab the lead in the world championship as early as this weekend when the GP of Russia is scheduled.