Mercedes doesn't mind psychological games: 'It kicks off from Verstappen anyway'

The Turkish Grand Prix is scheduled for this weekend. Mercedes and Red Bull Racing will battle it out for pole position. Christian Klien expects the teams to be close in level again.

The former Formula One driver sees Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton barely conceding anything to each other this season, making it difficult to predict who will start at the front of the field ahead of the race weekend. "However, the two are so close to each other that a lot depends on the form of the day, where they start and whether they can dictate strategy as a result," he told ServusTV.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is doing everything he can behind the scenes to make Verstappen insecure. Prior to the last race, the Briton stated that he understood when the tension for his competitor slowly grew. Verstappen's response was dismissive and showed his full focus on the world championship. Klien doesn't mind psychological games, he stated. "The situation is good for the sport. And it kicks off from Max anyway. It doesn't matter to him."

Hamilton and Verstappen in world championship

The seven-time world champion has a two-point lead in the world championship, which could put Verstappen back in the lead this weekend.