Formula One driver Max Verstappen comments are 'a sign of weakness' says Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes

Verstappen comments are 'a sign of weakness' says Hamilton

Does Hamilton already have the upper hand on his younger rivals?

Sam Hall

Friday 14 February 2020 12:55

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Lewis Hamilton laughs off comments from his younger Formula One rivals as 'a sign of weakness' after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made comment that Hamilton only maintained his success due to having superior machinery.

Lewis Hamilton sits as statistically one of the greatest drivers ever to compete in Formula One. The outright pole position record holder, Hamilton currently only sits behind Michael Schumacher in terms of race wins and titles earned - both records which Hamilton could equal in 2020.

Hamilton currently has 84-Grand Prix wins to his name compared to the 91 of Schumacher and, if Hamilton can claim a sixth title in seven years, his overall haul of seven would equal Schumacher.

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Not everyone believes that Hamilton should be placed on a plinth however, with Max Verstappen saying in an exclusive interview with Motor Sport Magazine in September, “It’s car-dependent. I don’t think he’s had the pressure of a team-mate over the years.

Verstappen: Beatable Hamilton is good, 'but he is not God'Read more

“He should really have won it in 2016 as well if it wasn’t for engine failure… but after the summer break there were a few poor starts and stuff where he lost first place.

“But he never really had big pressure from his team-mates.”

More recently, Verstappen told reporters, "Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he's not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God."

Asked about these comments, and drivers in general trying to apply pressure through 'tough talking' away from the circuit, Hamilton replied, “I find it funny, I’ve just known to always do my talking on the track.

“Often, I tend to see that as a sign of weakness.”

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Hamilton will take to the track in the new Mercedes W11 for the first time at the teams filming day on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.