Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are regarded as each other’s greatest rivals. However, there have been times where they have indulged in banter.

During the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton had a small conversation with Verstappen about the fans at the Yas Marina. Shortly after that, Lewis even asked the Red Bull prodigy a personal question.

Lewis Hamilton makes Max Verstappen laugh in Abu Dhabi

Many see Verstappen and Hamilton as arch-rivals, and the F1 community would assume that they don’t interact with each other. However, at the 2019 Abu Dhabi GP, they indulged in some light-hearted banter, which made them both smile.

During a press conference, Hamilton whispered to Verstappen, “There are so many girls here man, like so many,” to which Verstappen agreed. Hamilton also asked Verstappen, “Do you have a girlfriend?” Verstappen said, “Yes,” and Hamilton immediately said, “Nevermind.”

Watch Story: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco

Verstappen states he has respect for Hamilton after the dramatic Abu Dhabi GP

In 2021, Hamilton and Verstappen pushed each other to the limit over the championship. Both managed to have the lead in the title race for a brief period of time until the Abu Dhabi GP, where they were tied on points.

In controversial circumstances, it was Verstappen who had the edge over the Mercedes driver and went on to win his first F1 world champion. After the race, the Dutch had a few words to say about his arch-rival.

He said, “I have a lot of respect for Lewis, but you know, I’m just very happy that I won in general because it’s been of course a very tough season fighting against Mercedes and Lewis. But I don’t want to sound… arrogant or whatever, to say that it’s a great satisfaction to win against him.”

“I just have a lot of respect for him, and I know he’s an amazing driver in terms of what he’s achieved but I’m just very happy that we won it.”

With the 2022 season a few months away, the F1 community can’t wait to see Hamilton and Verstappen fight each other for the title.

Read More: WATCH: Lewis Hamilton Reminiscing About the ‘Good Times’ With Ex-Girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger