Max Verstappen has "full trust" in Hamilton that F1 title fight won't 'go over the egde'

Verstappen, Hamilton, Portugal — Photo: © LAT Images

Max Verstappen - Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen has "full trust" in Hamilton that F1 title fight won't 'go over the egde'

Verstappen and Hamilton have gone wheel to wheel in all three races so far

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 5 May 2021 08:05

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Max Verstappen has revealed he has "full trust" in Lewis Hamilton to keep their fight for this year's F1 title clean and respectful.

Red Bull driver Verstappen and Mercedes rival Hamilton have so far delivered a trio of exciting battles in the opening three races of the season without colliding.

In Bahrain, the duo went wheel-to-wheel late on, with Verstappen passing Hamilton for the lead but in exceeding track limits he was forced to hand the position - and ultimately the win - back to the British driver.

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In Imola, Verstappen made a stunning and race-defining getaway off the line to force Hamilton wide into turn one, with only minimal contact between them.

While in Sunday's race in Portugal, the pair both conjured overtakes on one another, with Hamilton's manoeuvre helping him claim a second victory.

Asked whether their courteous duel was sustainable across the year given there are another 20 races remaining, Verstappen said: "Yeah, it’s been really cool, especially when you race a driver when you know you can go to the absolute limit.

"I guess you can trust each other to just race super-hard. I think that’s always really nice. You can see the in the three races we’ve had we haven’t really… well, we gave each… how you say? It’s been really close to each other but predictable.

"Lewis has never had something like ‘Oh, we’re going to crash!’ I always have full trust in Lewis that we will give each other enough space."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has suggested their fights have been clear so far knowing a mistake could prove detrimental for their championship chances.

For his part, Hamilton was in agreement with Verstappen. The seven-time title-winner said: "It is naturally down to respect.

"We are both very, very hard but fair and I think that’s what makes great racing and great racing drivers.

"We will continue to keep it clean and keep it on the edge but I don’t think either of us has a plan to get any closer than we have been."