via Getty
SOCHI, RUSSIA: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks in a press conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurent Charniaux – Pool/Getty Images)
via Getty
SOCHI, RUSSIA: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talks in a press conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Laurent Charniaux – Pool/Getty Images)
It looks like that Hamilton-Verstappen feud might go down as one of the best in F1 history. With the driver fighting for the driver’s title in 2021, they are not giving each other an inch on and off the track. They have also collided with each other in Silverstone.
But FIA president Jean Todt believes it is beneficial for the sport to have such tense rivalries in the sport. He also mentioned that the Silverstone crash between the Hamilton-Verstappen was a racing incident.
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It is good for the sport that there is this tension: Jean Todt
As reported by Formula Passion, Todt stated he would much rather prefer four-driver fighting on track. He also mentioned that having tension between drivers could be a good thing for the sport.
“ We should be happy to have a competition between two teams and two drivers,” said Todt.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen before the race Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron
“I would even prefer it to be between four drivers, but it is always better than having only one team in front. It is good for the sport that there is this tension,” said the FIA president.
The rivalry is a welcome change for the fans as they were treated to just an inter-team championship fight between Hamilton and Bottas. This also seems to have more legs than the Hamilton-Vettel title fights in 2017-2018.
Read More: Cash compilation/ reckless moments of Max Verstappen
FIA president reveals his reply to Christian Horner in the aftermath of the Hamilton-Verstappen crash
Jean Todt, who was the General Manager of Ferrari from 1994 to 2007, stated that the crash between Lewis and Max was a racing incident and bluntly told Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, as such.
“I told Christian Horner that I was sorry for what happened to his driver, but this is racing,” said Todt to Horner.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the race REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Todt also stated the seriousness of the impact at the Corpse corner in Silverstone. He went on to praise the safety measures in Formula One, which meant Verstappen came out unharmed.
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“I wish it didn’t go unnoticed that after such an accident, Max Verstappen could have easily raced tomorrow if there was a race scheduled,” concluded Todt.
WATCH STORY: 5 F1 Crashes Which Stunned the World
The crash between the rivals has made the title fight more intense as Hamilton now leads Verstappen by 8 points at the halfway point of the season.
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Will Lewis-Max rivalry go down as one of the best? Let us know.
