via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Race winner Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the press conference with second placed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Race winner Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during the press conference with second placed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen FIA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES
Lewis Hamilton is facing one of the most challenging seasons in his F1 career. Locked in a title fight with Max Verstappen, he faces the possibility of fighting for the title till the last race of the season, in Abu Dhabi.
After a dominant display in Monaco, Verstappen took the lead in the driver’s championship for the first time in his career. In addition, Mercedes are now chasing a much stronger Red Bull than ever before. Former Red Bull driver, David Coulthard, speaks about how Hamilton’s race mentality has differed when handling Verstappen as compared to his teammate, Valtteri Bottas.
Lewis Hamilton is thinking twice when Verstappen is coming at him: Coulthard
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After a narrow win in Bahrain, Hamilton has realized he has a serious threat in Verstappen this season. He finished just a second ahead of Verstappen then, with the Dutchman winning the next race in Imola.
The two drivers finished no lower than second in the first four races. However, a P7 finish in Monaco saw Hamilton relinquish the championship lead to Verstappen. This just shows how consistent the Briton needs to be to win a record-breaking eighth title this season.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 9, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Emilio Morenatti
Speaking to RacingNews365, Coulthard explained how Hamilton is more cautious with Verstappen compared to other drivers such as Bottas. The Briton said, “What Lewis has noticed is that if he hadn’t taken the first corner at Imola and Barcelona, there would have been a crash.
“Lewis is smart enough now to realize Max is coming. and have that belief… Lewis wouldn’t think twice about slamming the door for Valtteri or any other driver.” (Translated via Google Translated)
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton: His Road Through F1 How He Discovered His Love For Racing
Coulthard: Verstappen a man for the coming seasons
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At just 23 years of age, Max has established himself as a world championship contender. Coulthard believes the “Verstappen era” will soon be upon us, saying the Dutchman has the skills to do it.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 23, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race Pool via REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The 50-year-old said, “He has the skills and is a man for the coming seasons. There is no doubt in my mind that we will see a shift from the Hamilton era to the Verstappen era.”
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With Baku inching closer, Hamilton will look to bounce back in the championship battle. Although he’s only four points behind, Verstappen is the favorite to win in another street circuit. Can Hamilton and Mercedes mount a stiff challenge to Red Bull in the “Land of Fire”?
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