Lewis Hamilton insists his relationship with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is “no different” than last year as he prepares to face the strongest title challenge in years.
This season, Formula One is witnessing a battle for the ages as Hamilton and Verstappen trade blows, both in the title race and on the track.
While the two were all smiles at the start of the season, there have been a few stinging comments recently, with Hamilton claiming he knows why Verstappen is feeling pressure, and the Dutchman responding by saying he feels nothing of the sort.
Asked about his relationship with his title rival, Hamilton told the media in Austin: “Not a huge amount to say.
“There is limited communication, I think maybe some of the drivers hang more than others do.
“I wouldn’t say I particularly hang closely with anyone particularly here.
“Last year we would see each other at the track and we would say hi, we do the same this year.
“It’s no different for me, personally.”
Hamilton is second in the Drivers’ standings, six points behind Verstappen, with 16 races remaining.
At this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, the seven-time World Champion is expected to reclaim the lead in a title battle that has been swinging back and forth.
Hamilton has won five races at the Circuit of the Americas, whereas Verstappen has only finished third once.
The Mercedes driver, on the other hand, admits that he needs more than simply the victory in Austin to win the World Championship.
“It’s important to win every race somehow, you know, maximising our points – that’s our goal over these next six races,” he said.
“It’s going to be incredibly difficult and there will be moments where we can perhaps edge them [Red Bull] out.
“I don’t like to assume that Mexico is not going to be strong but they are usually very strong in Mexico.
“But yes, I think it’s going to be… a lot can happen in these six races, so I think we just take it one race at a time, give it everything we’ve got.”
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