Why F1 Media Will Make Max Verstappen’s Life More Difficult Against Lewis Hamilton, Explains Fernando Alonso

Max Verstappen is starting to look rather unsettled amidst the ongoing battle with Lewis Hamilton for the title, especially since the incident at Silverstone.

The Dutchman recently blasted off Tom Clarkson during a press conference in Hungary after the latter raised a question regarding his crash with Hamilton. And it finally looked like the heat is getting to him.

Hence, with the rivalry steadily getting into Verstappen’s nerves, Hamilton’s former rival, Fernando Alonso, revealed that it might be even tougher for the Red Bull driver, as he is fighting a British racing driver in a British racing series.

Like Verstappen, Alonso, too, was once fighting hard for the championship title against Hamilton. Hence, using his past experience, he felt that any incident with Hamilton would lead to the British journalists coming at him.

Alonso’s view on Max Verstappen – Lewis Hamilton rivalry

As reported by Motorsport-Total, the Alpine driver acknowledged that it is significantly difficult for Verstappen to battle against Hamilton. He further felt that the British environment in F1 can often favor the 7-time world champion over his 2021 title rival.

“I didn’t see the press conference. But, I can well imagine what they’re going through – especially Max,” Alonso said. “He is the youngster who fights against a legend, a champion. And because he is not British, it is more and more difficult for him.

“When the fight for the title gets a bit tight and tight, then I have the feeling that the sport is a British environment. All of the teams are British. And so are most of the journalists and TV crews. All of them from Great Britain,” Alonso added.

Read More: “F**king Ridiculous” – Verstappen Lashes Out at Reporter for Constant Hamilton F1 Questions

I felt like I was the ‘bad guy’: Alonso

The 2007 season witnessed McLaren lining up a rookie, Hamilton, alongside Alonso. Eventually, the duo spurred a massive rivalry that season and lots of ugly moves, which led to animosity and hatred from the fans. The Spaniard felt that the hate against him grew further than he expected, as his rival was from Great Britain.

“I always felt like I was the ‘bad guy’ in Formula 1 when I tried to fight normal British guys,” he said. “And when I saw the thing at Silverstone and the questions Verstappen was asked, then I understood his position.”

Overall, following the 2007 season, Alonso was one of the most-hated F1 drivers on the grid. However, that hasn’t been the case with Verstappen so far, but it is bound to change at some point. Hence, can Verstappen be mentally prepared for it and set his focus entirely on the title?

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