Although the two are rivals battling it out for the F1 World Championship on track, Max Verstappen has stated that away from the bright lights his relationship with Lewis Hamilton is a healthy one.
The Dutchman is looking to unseat his Mercedes rival after years of dominance, as Hamilton has won the last four F1 titles to pull even with Michael Schumacher on the all-time list with seven. As a result the battle for the championship is all the more intense this season with Verstappen looking to get his name on his first, however the Dutchman made it clear that the two championship contenders get on well away from the track.
“We race each other hard. And I think that’s exactly how you want it to be, isn’t it?,” Verstappen told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat.
The two drivers have an age gap of over 10 years, but nevertheless Verstappen would have no issues having a beer with Hamilton.
“Well, you know, we are different generations,” Verstappen added. “But of course. Outside of the track we get on really well.”
While the mutual respect is clearly there, the Dutchman isn’t taking a back seat to Hamilton despite the Mercedes driver’s impressive accomplishments.
“As a driver, you always have to believe that you are the best,” Max added.
“And do I? Of course.”
