via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the United States Grand Prix with second placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Brian Snyder
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2022 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the United States Grand Prix with second placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The more we talk about the epic 2021 bout between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the more fascinating it becomes. However, that’s essentially the fan’s perspective. The individuals involved in the epic bout, on the other hand, always discuss the events with a feeling of dread. A feeling Red Bull’s boss does not want to feel ever again, especially after the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 2022 season was calmer in terms of the championship fight for Red Bull. Mercedes, their closest rival in the previous season, could only come to grip towards the last few races of the season. In fact, it was not until Brazil that Mercedes delivered a race-winning car. It was the first time in the season that Mercedes’s W13 could match the pace of Red Bull’s RB18.
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However, as soon as these conditions were met, so did Hamilton and Verstappen on track. The two exchanged bodywork during the seventh lap of the race in turn 2. This scenario gave the fans a flashback of 2021 and hope for 2023.
However, Christian Horner does not want a repeat of that. When asked if the crash between the two was thrilling, “No, not really,” he said honestly. “I prefer it when there’s much more space between the two of them!”
No matter how thrilling the 2021 season and the clash in Brazil were for the fans, the Red Bull boss would not like a repeat. In fact, not just the boss, Verstappen himself, would not want a repeat of the incidents of 2021.
Max Verstappen reveals he would not like a repeat of the stressful situation against Lewis Hamilton
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After the 2021 season, 2022 has been smooth sailing for Verstappen. This is exactly what the Red Bull man prefers instead of a last-lap battle with Hamilton.
via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 12: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W12 compete for position on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
When talking about winning the championship in the last lap of the race, Verstappen says, “I hope it never happens again. Let’s say it like that, yeah! I’m normally not a nervous guy but that last lap, — so yeah, you were definitely a bit nervous.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton
So there we have it. Nobody in the paddock wants a repeat of 2021. However, we, as fans, do and let’s hope our wish is granted in the upcoming season.
