Last year, there were regular fireworks on the track between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, resulting in a number of hard crashes. This season, things are a lot calmer between the Dutchman and Charles Leclerc. Verstappen explains why.
Last weekend at Silverstone marked one year since Verstappen's hard crash after being hit by Hamilton at Copse. Although the Dutchman has already forgiven his rival, the seven-time world champion had to draw a comparison with a similar duel with Charles Leclerc. According to Hamilton, the fight with the Ferrari driver was a lot better.
Verstappen has since responded to Hamilton's sneer in a sharp manner, but the Dutchman also seems to be better off battling Leclerc without leaving any debris behind. In an interview with The Guardian Red Bull Racing's star explains why that is.
"It's all about margins, how much respect you have for each other on the track. I've known Charles for a long time, I've raced against him a lot more so I think we understand each other a bit better," Verstappen explained.
Verstappen has no preference
That has come across well during the first few races of the season, when the two were very evenly matched. Although they battled each other for much of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, there was not a single crash.
Despite this, Verstappen does not care which driver he has to fight against for the title. All that matters to the Dutchman is that he comes out of the fight a winner. "That's the most important feeling!"