Verstappen clear: 'Lewis has already won so many championships'

Max Verstappen is preparing for the most important day of his career. The Dutchman has the opportunity at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win his first world title in Formula 1 and is therefore looking forward to the challenge.

While Verstappen is competeng for the world championship in the final race for the first time this season, it is different for Hamilton. The Briton has already won seven world titles in his career, which means that if he wins, he will overtake Michael Schumacher and become the man with the most titles in history. Verstappen realises which driver he is fighting with this season.

"I think Lewis has already won so many championships but also this year I think we have been pushing each other, certainly in some races, to the limit. We have been really basically trying to get everything out of our cars," Verstappen said at the FIA press conference. "In 10, 20 years’ time, people will look back at it and even myself and you will remember this year."

Verstappen on the difference with 2016

The last time Hamilton faced serious opposition until the final race was in 2016. Back then, it was his teammate Nico Rosberg who ran off with the win. According to Verstappen, however, it is different to compete with another team because they do not know each other's strategies.