Lewis Hamilton has claimed that F1 rival Max Verstappen has held talks with Red Bull about leaving Mercedes, suggesting he may be afraid of competing in the same car.
Max Verstappen has scoffed at his suggestion that he could make a statement by beating Lewis Hamilton in the same F1 car.
In 2021, they experienced a huge title battle, with Mercedes and Red Bull being evenly matched in terms of vehicle performance throughout the year. However, rivals did not have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on the same machine.
Christian Horner claimed this week that Hamilton had contacted him earlier this year to inquire about the possibility of making this happen. He said the seven-time world champion had made contact with Red Bull, but the driver later denied this and said the team principal had instigated the contact.
Hamilton also said he was “delighted” to race with Verstappen in the same car, suggesting the feeling was not mutual. “I don’t think he wants me to be his teammate,” Hamilton insisted.
Verstappen didn’t want to get involved in the situation because he felt it had nothing to do with him. However, he has made it clear that he doesn’t feel he needs to compete in a head-to-head with Hamilton to prove himself to anyone.
The Dutchman told reporters: “That didn’t happen. So if it doesn’t happen, there’s no point in making up a story. I don’t care if it happens, it doesn’t matter. Whoever does. I don’t want to.” Now Like, especially towards Lewis. There are also a lot of great drivers. Sometimes that doesn’t work.
“I’m not interested at all. When I was asked at the press conference, I didn’t even know about these stories. But I don’t care either.” We don’t even need to talk about it because it will never happen.
“What do I have to prove? I don’t think I have to prove anything,” he also said, adding that having two top drivers competing on the same team is good for the sport and the fans. He also questioned the claims being made.
Verstappen added: “Then there’s always an excuse when one driver is faster than the other. “Yeah, but he’s too old now, That’s what it is.” ” They (fans) always come up with something. It’s the same now.
“These days, people say I win too much.
But when I don’t win, they say, “The team has to do a better job.” There are always stories made up to talk about something else.’