Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have fought against each other throughout the season. They arrive at Abu Dhabi level on points and in a winner takes all scenario. Both drivers have also taken jibes at each other frequently in 2021.

They have been involved in many wheel-to-wheel battles on the track, which sometimes resulted in crashing into each other. But despite all this, they have managed to keep a respectful relationship with each other.

So in the post-qualifying press conference, both drivers were asked to praise each other. They did not hesitate and showed their respect for each other.

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Max Verstappen praises Lewis Hamilton during a post-qualifying interview

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, praises the accomplishments of his title rival. He also mentioned that both drivers have pushed each other to the limit. The Dutch driver stated that to fight against Lewis, he has to get everything out of the car.

Although before Max said something nice about the 7-time world champion, Lewis jokingly mentioned they don’t have to do that.

“I don’t think we really need to, do we?” said Hamilton to Max.

“I think Lewis has already won so many championships but also this year I think we have been pushing each other, certainly in some races, to the limit.

We have been really basically trying to get everything out of our cars, tires, to the last lap, to the last corner and that’s very exciting, especially when it’s been between two teams as well, because when it’s teammates always a bit different, but when two teams fighting, you have different strategies you don’t know about, preparation, so it has been really enjoyable for most of the time.

That’s normal in a championship and yeah, of course, in 10, 20 years’ time, people will look back at it and even myself and you will remember this year, for sure.” said Max on the positives of his battle against Lewis.

It’s nice to see that despite their intense battle, Verstappen can take positives out of this season. Let’s hope that both drivers keep their noses clean and give us another memorable battle before the end.

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