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Max Verstappen claims to have been told that F1 rival Lewis Hamilton doesn’t use his name following their gripping 2021 world title battle. The Red Bull star also called for his achievements to be respected amid several sources of controversy over the past 12 months.
Hamilton and Verstappen went toe-to-toe last year in what was one of the most entertaining title races in F1 history. Thrillingly, it all came down to the final lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi as the Dutchman executed an audacious pass to clinch his maiden Drivers’ Championship.
The decisive Grand Prix sparked fierce debate thereafter as FIA race director Michael Masi was subsequently sacked for his role in the drama. Furthermore, Red Bull were found to have breached last season’s budget cap, leading to a fine and a wind tunnel penalty from F1’s governing body.
Verstappen’s recent comments suggest that Hamilton may still hold a grudge over being denied an eighth world title, which would have put them on his own at the top of the all-time charts.
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“People have told me that he doesn’t use my name,” Verstappen told the Mail on Sunday. “I was always taught that you have to respect what people have achieved in sport. I have no problem with what Lewis has achieved. He is one of the best ever.
“I know it is not only the car he has been driving. That helps. We all know that, but you still have to beat your team-mate and Lewis has done that consistently. I think you have to acknowledge the person has done an amazing job as well.”
“It was a good qualifying I think,” he said. “It was a close one but after FP3 we made a few adjustments on the car and got into a better rhythm. To be on pole here is amazing, of course it’s a very long run to Turn 1, so we do need a good start. I think we have a quick car and that’s what’s most important.”
Russell, who starts second, added: “I feel like it was our pole to have but it was just a terrible lap from my side, but it’s great to be back on the front row.”
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