Hamilton sees better prepared Verstappen: 'My first title was horrendous'

Lewis Hamilton is now 12 points behind his rival Max Verstappen in the championship. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports Hamilton admits that things have not always gone perfectly this season, but that he continues to learn and is proud of his team.

All season it has been incredibly exciting between the two title rivals. "I expected it was going to be a rollercoaster ride. It's been amazing, it's been the hardest year on so many levels, but there's been so many positives and I have really, really enjoyed it, even the difficult days", Hamilton says of the 2021 season.

"It definitely could be better in the sense that we've dropped points, we've not always been perfect, but you live and you learn and I feel like things happen the way they happen for a reason and we've learnt a lot, we've pulled together after all these experiences we've had, win or lose, and I love the place I am in with my team."

'Verstappen been at it for six years'

The seven-time world champion stresses he is mainly concerned with himself and not focusing too much on Verstappen. "I don't spend a moment thinking what might or what might not be a distraction for him, that doesn't bother me either way. If I do my job to the best of my abilities, I don't have a problem. That's how I approach my job."

Earlier this month, controversy arose after Hamilton said Verstappen has more pressure on his shoulders as this is his first battle for the championship. The Brit now adds that Verstappen is better prepared than he was himself in 2008. "My first title? It was horrendous. The journey was terrible, but he's what, six years in? I was in my second year."