RESPECT: Verstappen insists no issues with Hamilton

Stuart Hodge
Friday 10 February 2023 14:09 - Updated: 08:45

Max Verstappen has insisted he has "no problem" with Lewis Hamilton and that there is mutual respect between the two champions.

The Dutchman has been entwined in a bitter rivalry with the Mercedes driver across the past two seasons.

Red Bull driver Verstappen toppled Hamilton in 2021 after a fiery campaign full of incident culminated in a controversial season-finale at Abu Dhabi.

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Whilst Mercedes' inability to mount a competitive challenge cooled the rivalry somewhat last season, a collision between the pair at the São Paulo Grand Prix reignited the spark.

But adamant there is no issue, Verstappen said: "I don't have a problem with anyone."

A lot of respect

Referring to the dinner held in Abu Dhabi last year to send off now-retired Sebastian Vettel, Verstappen added: "We had dinner together in Abu Dhabi and we had a lot of fun and a good time together, so everything is fine in that regard.

"Of course, we want to beat everyone, including Lewis.

"But we are drivers, so that's normal. [We have] a lot of respect for each other and each other's performance."

This kit though 🔥 https://t.co/FgfNZhabEs pic.twitter.com/0U0sj8QDEX

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 10, 2023