Branding Mercedes as Sore Losers, Max Verstappen Takes Revenge for Lewis Hamilton’s Ugly Antics

Lewis Hamilton wants what Max Verstappen has. He wants something he can’t have, at least not at the moment. In Verstappen’s words, “Maybe Lewis is a little jealous of my current success.” There’s no doubt the seven-time champion wants to be an eight-time champion, especially since he had that opportunity in 2021, but things went the Dutchman’s way. Since then, they’ve only been going Verstappen’s way, and all Hamilton can do right now is sit back and watch like the rest of us. Instead, he decided to undermine not just Verstappen’s dominance but also his talent.

“In my personal opinion, Valtteri [Bottas] and all my teammates have been stronger than the teammates Max has had.” Verstappen isn’t someone who cares too much about anything other people say about him. For him, all that matters is doing what he’s supposed to and doing it well. Even so, Hamilton’s comments didn’t stop him from returning the favor.

Max Verstappen hits back at Lewis Hamilton & Co.

Mercedes dominated Formula 1 for eight consecutive seasons throughout the turbo-hybrid era, from 2014 to 2021. Winning every Constructors’ Championship during that time—and Lewis Hamilton winning six Drivers’ Championships—the Brackley outfit got accustomed to winning and staying in front. So when it couldn’t nail the 2022 regulations as Red Bull did, it came as a shock, not just to Mercedes but to the entire field. 

Evidently, Hamilton & Co. haven’t been able to handle it too well, seeing as how they resorted to dirty tactics to undermine their rival’s dominance. Verstappen gave his thoughts on Hamilton’s comments in an interview during the Italian GP. He said, “I think it’s very difficult for them to deal with losses at Mercedes after all these years that they have won so much. But at some point, you also have to be realistic if you know it’s not in it. Then, you have to be able to appreciate what other teams do. We have always done that in the years that they were dominant.” 

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Caught in the Crossfire as Lewis Hamilton Forgives Arch Nemesis to Insult Max Verstappen

Verstappen has nothing to prove to Hamilton and Mercedes. His performances are proof enough of his superiority. The reigning champion just thinks it’s time Mercedes accepts that it’s not the same dominant force it used to be and gives credit where credit is due. Otherwise, there’s no point in competing in a sport that is bound to see eras of dominance. As always, Verstappen had his boss’ backing on the subject as well.

Verstappen has always been better than his teammates

To say Verstappen hasn’t had teammates as strong as Hamilton isn’t right. By saying that, the seven-time champion didn’t just undermine Verstappen but also the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and occasionally Sergio Perez. Just because no teammate has outscored him since Ricciardo in 2017 doesn’t mean they weren’t strong. It just means that Verstappen is just that good. Christian Horner believes so, too.

“[Hamilton] has had several teammates, and he has always had the upper hand on his teammates, but it’s not about you just fighting against your teammate, but against the whole field. Max clearly showed what he was capable of. Some drivers might not even want to drive alongside him,” said the Red Bull team principal. As per him, Verstappen has what it takes to come out on top, no matter who stands in his way or how challenging it may be to overcome the rest of the field. He’s done it for the past couple of years, and he’s been doing it almost throughout this season. 

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What did you think about Lewis Hamilton’s comments on the teammates Max Verstappen has had? Do you agree with what the Dutchman said after?