Former F1 Champion Predicts More Imola-Like Errors from Hamilton Because of Verstappen Pressure

The Lewis Hamilton -Max Verstappen rivalry is heating up quite well this season. With a record-breaking eighth title and a maiden title, respectively, on the line, the two drivers are pushing themselves to the limit to clinch race wins. However, at times, they push just a little too much, and end up making mistakes, as seen by Hamilton in Imola.

While it was a rare mistake from the Briton, former world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, believes that the Mercedes driver will make more mistakes during this season.

As we head to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix for the upcoming weekend, where the battle for the race win begins before the lights go out on race day, why does Villeneuve believe Lewis will make more mistakes this season?

Lewis Hamilton hasn’t had to go the limit until now, claims Villeneuve

As quoted by GP Blog, Villeneuve said,” Max has learned over the last few years to always push and drive extremely on the limit to be able to get a win or a podium.

“Lewis hasn’t had to do that in every race because his main opponent was his teammate who wasn’t on the same level in battles. So Lewis hasn’t always had to go to the limit in the past, but that’s different this year.

“You can see that from the mistake he made in Imola. He wanted to get through the field too quickly and then got very lucky with the red flag. We’re going to see more mistakes like that,” he concluded.

The battle so far between Verstappen and Hamilton

All four races that have taken place so far this season have given the fans an intense battle between Red Bull prodigy, Max Verstappen and Mercedes‘s Hamilton.

While the Knight emerged victorious in three of those races, Verstappen wasn’t much behind. Having won one race in Imola, the Dutchman was right behind Lewis in every race, in second place, waiting to pounce.

Now, as the paddock heads to Monaco for the fifth race of the championship, a track that has historically favored Red Bull, Max will be itching to close the gap to Hamilton in the standings.

Who do you think will come out on top as we race at the crown jewel of the F1 calendar? Let us know in the comments below.

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