Following their dramatic accidents at Silverstone and Monza, Max Verstappen claims all is forgiven between him and Lewis Hamilton.
During the British and Italian Grands Prix, the World Championship contenders “got together,” in Verstappen’s words, with each being convicted on one occasion by the stewards.
Those episodes inevitably put a strain on the two drivers’ relationship, with Verstappen failing to check on Hamilton’s well-being at Monza and walking away as the seven-time champion remained in his car.
Hamilton stated he tried to clear the air with the Dutchman after his 51G collision with the barrier at Silverstone, but he didn’t do so after Monza.
However, the Red Bull driver has stated that there is no lingering anger between the two drivers, who might be ready for another close race at the Circuit of The Americas in the United States Grand Prix.
“We have got together a few times and we were not happy with each other,” said Verstappen in an interview in Austin.
“But a few races later you can see us sitting together in a press conference and laughing with each other again, and that’s how racing goes.
“A lot of people look at you and rate the rivalry, but at the end of the day it’s not all that bad.
“Nobody looks to get together in a race but unfortunately these things happen. They have happened in go-karting and they have happened in Formula 1.
“We all have those times when we have low moments with someone, but we are human beings. We move on and we forgive.”
Verstappen also took issue with Timo Glock’s recent claim that he would have turned the altercation physical out of the car a few years ago, when he was less mature.
After the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen was ordered to perform two days of “public service” after repeatedly pushing Esteban Ocon in the chest after the two crashed on the track.
“I’ve got older and I have more experience, but I don’t necessarily think I would have punched Lewis,” said the 24-year-old.
“It’s just that you experience more things and you learn how to deal with the sport better – that’s just a natural process.
“I’ve been very relaxed the whole year. I can’t speak for Lewis but from my side, there is no real extra pressure.”
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