Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen cannot afford any mistakes at the end of the season. That the pressure is increasing, was clear from the free practice during the United States Grand Prix.
On his way to set a fast lap in preparation for Saturday afternoon's qualifying session, Verstappen suddenly ran into his rival on the track. Both drivers drove next to each other on the tarmac for a few seconds, which caused irritation for Verstappen.
The Dutchman was ranting over the board radio, which Jan Lammers can well understand. "They were just in each other's way. Just when Max wanted to roll out his plans and build a fast lap, Hamilton was in the way. So they were both in the wrong place at the wrong time," he states in the Formula 1 podcast.
Battle between Verstappen and Hamilton
Despite the setback, Lammers believes Verstappen should accept such a situation. "Your performance and self-confidence are obviously in your preparation. At this moment Max had it all in his head how he wanted to do and then suddenly Hamilton came driving next to him. Call it coincidence, but of course, they don't do things to make it easy for each other. That's part of it."