Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been two of the fiercest rivals in recent Formula 1 history. Despite the pair’s contrasting driving styles, neither of them back down against the other. As a result, F1 fans have often witnessed the duo colliding on the tracks on many occasions in the past. Their rivalry isn’t restricted just to the track though. The 2 world champions have often been indulged in a war of words with each other.

Subsequently, The Dutch Lion responded to Lewis Hamilton’s interview where he claimed he was a “target” for Max. The Red Bull driver revealed how racing each driver differently is what makes the sport more beautiful.

The Dutch Lion explains what makes racing in F1 “beautiful”

No two drivers are the same in F1. To combat each driver, you need to have different tricks up your sleeves. Max Verstappen is no different as he revealed how the sport has many good drivers and fighting each other differently is what makes it beautiful.

Verstappen spoke at the FIA’s Prize Giving Gala, as reported by Planet F1, “Everyone is different in the way they battle, they race, but that’s the beautiful thing about the sport because if everyone would be the same, I think it’s pretty boring.”

The Dutchman further continued, “Yes, you have a lot of good drivers, but if they all act exactly the same it’s not really exciting to watch.”

Lewis Hamilton earlier claimed that the Dutchman had put a “target” on his back after his success. The Mercedes driver told the media, “I think it’s natural when you have the success and the numbers on your chest, that you become a bit of a target.”

“But it’s OK. It’s nothing that I have not dealt with before.”

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Lewis and Mercedes endured a difficult season. The Silver Arrows won only 1 race in the penultimate GP of the season. However, Red Bull expects the Brackley-based team to come back all guns blazing again next season.

Helmut Marko claims Mercedes will fight back with Lewis Hamilton at the helm

Winning 8 successive titles is no mean feat. However, Mercedes were given a shock this season as they were caught out by the new regulations. The Silver Arrows suffered heavily with multiple issues in the first half of the season. They managed to come back in the second half of the season to decrease the gap between rivals Red Bull and Ferrari.

Moreover, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko believes that Mercedes will compete for race wins again next season. He also believes they will outdo Ferrari and finish above them.

Speaking to AMuS, Helmut Marko suggested, “[Mercedes] are the more stable team and they have [Lewis] Hamilton – he’s a very special driver.”

He also mentioned, “In between, he’s shown time and again with his lap times that he’s a top man. It’s simply a much stronger package than Ferrari.”

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Do you think Hamilton and co. can fight back next season? Or will Red Bull continue to dominate the circuit and win successive constructors’ championships?