Hamilton reflects on Verstappen duel: "The pressure was immense"

After a fantastic battle with Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton came out on top to win the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. The seven-time World Champion had to work hard for that race win and knows his Dutch rival will be right next to him across the 23 Grand Prix season. 

For the final ten laps, Verstappen was catching Hamilton. At one point, the Red Bull driver got ahead but had to give the place back. Hamilton admits he didn't have the fastest car this weekend. 

"We came into this race knowing we were on the back foot. We knew it would be a tough start but everyone worked hard to maximise what we have. I'm incredibly grateful for that. It was so hard to keep the mindset consistent and not make the mistake," Hamilton told Sky Sports. 

Running wide

In the battle, Hamilton ran wide which pushed Verstappen in the DRS range. "The pressure was immense. He is a fantastic driver, they have the quicker car so to keep him behind on fresher tyres, it was one of the hardest I've had for a long while," Hamilton added. 

"We have such a great fight, that's not the end for them. They are going to come back in the next race."