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via Reuters

via Reuters

The gloves are off! Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton head into the title decider equal on points. Verstappen is still ahead on the basis of having more wins under his belt. But people have criticized the Dutch driver for his driving in the last race and called his style overaggressive.

Verstappen and Hamilton were fighting for the lead in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. There were many incidents between them as Max was trying to keep the charging Mercedes behind. The two championship contenders collided, and the stewards gave the Red Bull driver multiple penalties.

But Max is adamant that he is not overaggressive, or rather Hamilton is not that aggressive. He also insinuated that the 7-time world champion might be afraid of him.

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At least I’m not afraid of him: Max Verstappen

As reported by telegraaf.nl, the Dutch driver has a reputation for pushing the boundaries while driving. He mentioned Hamilton will not be happy when he sees Max in his mirrors.

When asked if Lewis is afraid of him in combat, Max stated, “He will never admit that. At least I’m not afraid of him. Yeah, I think I’ll make him nervous if he sees me in his mirrors.” 

via Reuters

“He’s a different driver than me, less aggressive. He doesn’t know how to race like I do. I can’t blame him for that either, because he was never able to learn that like I did from my father.” said Max. [Translated by Google]

The Red Bull driver comments on his approach before the last race

Max Verstappen mentioned that he just wants to beat Lewis and not take him out. The Dutch driver also clarifies that he wants to go for it on the track and will give everything on it.

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via Reuters

“I don’t want to take him out, I want to beat him. That’s another wording. Some people find me aggressive, others very aggressive, and some people don’t. I think I am myself. In the last games, I have to defend more because we are a bit slower.

I don’t have the luxury of checking a lead or driving away now. And yes, I do everything I can to win. If I don’t think like that, I’d better stay home. If I hadn’t had that attitude, we wouldn’t be here with an equal number of points. Then he was already champion.” said Max.

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With just one race left in the season, we will see if Verstappen comes out on top and emerges as the new leading driver in F1.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen Sponsorship Deal With CarNext.com: Appearing on His Orange Cap & Helmet