Thursday, December 02, 2021
“Most exciting times in sport”
Hamilton sees himself “in the toughest fight”
At the weekend, the title fight could be decided in an exciting Formula 1 season. Probably not, because it is so close that the record world champion speaks of the “toughest fight” that the sport has seen for a long time.
According to his own assessment, Lewis Hamilton is “more relaxed” than ever in the World Cup duel with Max Verstappen. This Formula 1 duel is “different in the sense that we have two teams that are extremely close together,” said the Mercedes driver, referring to Red Bull and Verstappen. “We’re fighting on unfamiliar territory because no other team has been able to win eight constructors ‘or drivers’ titles in a row.” That is “pretty fresh and new”. Mercedes can manage the eighth double in a row this season.
“On the other hand, I’m more relaxed than ever because I’ve been there for so long,” said the 36-year-old Hamilton before the penultimate Grand Prix of the season in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (from 5.15 p.m. on RTL). Verstappen is eight points ahead of him and could become world champion this weekend. “I’m grateful to have these two races to fight,” said Hamilton before the last two Grand Prix of the season.
“Hardest Fight”
The Briton described the current Formula 1 phase as “one of the most exciting times in sport”. When asked if an eighth title in this tight season would be perhaps the most significant, the Briton replied that he “sure would be”. Because he would have won it “in the toughest fight” that sport has seen for a long time.
Max Verstappen, who just leads the World Championship standings with an eight point lead two races before the end of the season, meanwhile refrained from pathos or declarations of war. He will approach this weekend as he has “done the whole season,” said the Red Bull driver. Ideally, the Dutchman could win his first title on Sunday. He also doesn’t have to hide anything particularly. “I’ve always been pretty neutral,” said Verstappen of his balance. He and Red Bull would be “of course very happy” about winning the title. Verstappen is not interested in a possible crash with pursuer Hamilton. “I don’t think about it,” said the 24-year-old. But he and his team are “very motivated”.