Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen share a bond of mutual admiration despite being sworn rivals on racing track
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was one of the first people to congratulate Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the Las Vegas GP. Verstappen secured the fourth consecutive drivers’ title and received applause from the Brit.
Max Verstappen has been tireless for the Milton-Keynes-based team throughout the season. Despite not having the fastest car, the Dutchman has won eight times, amassing a total of 13 podiums so far. His perseverance has truly borne fruit on all fronts this season.
Lewis Hamilton has claimed that Verstappen and Red Bull will be in much better form next year. The 39-year-old believes that the Milton-Keynes team is currently ahead of everyone else in developing their 2025 machinery.
I think they [Verstappen and Red Bull] will be hard to beat next year because they [Red Bull] probably started earlier than everyone else developing next year’s car.
Lewis Hamilton told the media, including RacingNews365
Hamilton, on the other hand, has had a rough season for Mercedes. Having won only twice this year, the Brit is desperate to start a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025. The 39-year-old’s main aim will be to secure the eighth title with the Maranello-based team.
Lewis Hamilton applauds phenomenal team result for Mercedes at Las Vegas GP
Mercedes secured a 1-2 finish at the Las Vegas GP, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in at P2. The seven-time world champion started P10 after a dismal qualifying ended his chances of securing pole position last Friday.
It was a really good balance in the car today, it felt a lot better than it was yesterday—particularly Q3—but it’s just phenomenal for the team. It is slightly bittersweet, as if we had qualified where we should have yesterday, I think I could have won. Nevertheless, I didn’t think I would have been able to finish P2 today before the race, so I’m very happy.
Lewis Hamilton via Formula1.com
Hamilton praised the W15’s balance, which has been a longing issue for the Brackley-based team. However, he regrets not having performed well in qualifying, as it would have offered him a winning chance.
Heading into the last two races, the Silver Arrows now hope to resolve most of their issues ahead of 2025. With the arrival of young sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the team is set for a rebuild after the upcoming departure of their star driver.
