Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have elevated the level of F1 with their rivalry in recent years. From crunching contests on the track to fiery responses off it, the pair is certainly the latest big rivalry in recent years. Even though they fought for the title in 2021 for the first time, they were always part of rival camps and had their differences. Despite that, in an interview from 2020, Max Verstappen gave a very surprising response when asked if Lewis Hamilton was the GOAT in Formula 1.

Almost all great rivalries have one virtue in common. Be it Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, or even Sebastian Vettel vs Fernando Alonso. One of the most outstanding things that stood out between them was the mutual respect they shared for their rival.

The same is true for Hamilton and Verstappen as the duo has praised each other multiple times. When asked if Lewis was the Greatest Driver of all time in F1. Verstappen in an interview from 2020 said, “I don’t like to compare different generations of drivers, you know? It’s just very difficult. But it’s a fact that he’s for sure one of the best ever, that is for sure!”

The Dutchman also added, “I think everyone can agree on that and I mean, you shouldn’t want to compare great drivers in Formula 1. Just appreciate them, that they’ve been part of F1.”

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There is no shortage of incidents where the two have come together. However, the pair is professional enough to keep their differences on track.

Lewis Hamilton reveals there is respect between him and Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were indulged in one of the greatest showdowns in F1 history. Nothing separated the two champions as they went into the final race of the 2021 season. It was Max Verstappen who won the battle, albeit in a controversial manner. The heartbreak left many fans wondering whether Hamilton was going to return to the sport again.

However, Hamilton returned for the pre-season testing in 2022. Moreover, despite being beaten by Max in a calamitous way, the Mercedes star revealed there was still respect between him and the Dutchman.

Hamilton told Naomi Schiff of Sky Sports, “We have a lot of common in a sense of how much we love doing what we do and driving, then on the other side we’re ruthless. He is ruthless, I am.”

The Mercedes driver continued, “We are fighters out there, there’s no friends on track.” Hamilton also added, “But I think what’s really important is that we’re human beings and that we do keep respect.”

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The fierce rivalry might continue next season. Lewis Hamilton will hope to forget the season behind him and start fresh. Subsequently, Verstappen will look to win his third championship. Can Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen once again?