Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have developed a fierce rivalry in the last few years. However, there was a time when the duo engaged in a hilarious conversation during a press conference. Once they were so engrossed in the back-and-forth that even Sebastian Vettel refused to interrupt the two.

2018 was a competitively fought season between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Vettel started off the season well, winning the first two races. However, as the season progressed, Hamilton built a healthy lead in the second half. Max Verstappen too was showing early signs of the brilliance that was yet to come and finished 4th with just two points behind Kimi Raikkonen in 3rd.

When a conversation between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton left Sebastian Vettel on the sidelines

The 2018 F1 season ended with Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen sharing the podium in Abu Dhabi. The trio appeared for the post-race press conference, where the press asked the two senior drivers if they thought Max was ready to push for championships. As Lewis answered the question, a funny back-and-forth started with Max.

Hamilton believed Verstappen had shown good consistency by finishing on the podium often. He also thought if his team gave him a good platform, he could get closer to him and Vettel. Lewis then asked, “I think he’s finished third in the championship, right?”

Max replied, “No, two points behind [Kimi Raikkonen]– but at least I don’t have to go to the [FIA] Gala!” 

The reply got a good laugh out of Lewis. Max continued, “We calculated that. I’m sorry. Unless I can do it as a community service day, and then I will go.”

In case you do not have the 2018 season fresh in memory, in Brazil, Max had an off-track altercation with Esteban Ocon, for which the Dutchman had to serve two days of community service as a punishment.

Still trying to control his laughter, Lewis said, “No, you can’t do that as a community service day.”

To this Max again hilariously replied, “I’ll do some PR stuff before? How great the whole venue is, I’ll do a special speech in the evening.”

Seb, who was waiting for his turn to answer the question, told the two, “No, no keep going. This is good fun from the outside.”

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As Vettel finally got his chance, he praised Max for his overall abilities and his tire management skills.

Lewis Hamilton still has enough praise for Max Verstappen

As Max Verstappen showed absolute dominance in 2022, he garnered praise from all quarters. Even rival Lewis Hamilton could not help but laud him for a championship-winning season.

Speaking ahead of the Brazilian GP, ESPN quoted him saying, “I can’t say that I’ve had time to like study every aspect of what Max has done this year, but I think he’s done an amazing job.”

“He’s done everything he had to do. The team provided him with an amazing car, and he’s delivered pretty much every weekend.”

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As we wait for the 2023 season to begin, Max will be wary of the Mercedes threat, given how they showed signs of resurgence in the latter part of the season.