Hamilton "empathises" with Verstappen over F1 title pressure struggle
Hamilton "empathises" with Verstappen over F1 title pressure struggle
Lewis Hamilton has claimed to empathise with rival Max Verstappen as the Red Bull driver fights for his first F1 title.
Verstappen leads the Mercedes driver by five points with eight rounds to go ahead of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix following a season full of drama between the duo, highlighted by their clash in Italy last time out.
Recalling his first title fight during his rookie season in 2007, seven-time champion Hamilton said: "I remember what it was like battling for my first championship and now I am fighting my 10th battle or something like that.
"I know the pressure that comes with it and the experiences that go with it, so I can empathise with that. I think what is important is we continue to race hard and fair.
"I have no doubts we can both be professional and learn from the past."
Verstappen "won't admit" to feeling pressure
Verstappen is in his seventh season in F1 despite only being 23 years old but it is his first championship battle.
Asked whether he believed the Dutchman would be feeling the pressure, Hamilton added: "Obviously, he won't admit to it so I am not going to make an assumption.
"But I am saying I remember what it was like when I had my first one and it definitely mounted up.
"It was difficult, it was intense, I was going through a lot of different emotions, I didn't always handle it the best and that is to be expected.
"There is a lot of pressure from working in a big team, a lot of self-expectation because the desire to win is huge.
"I was just saying I empathise and understand that and I know we will continue to grow from this."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
‘Absolute b******s’ - Newey’s wife SLAMS Red Bull F1 claims
- 31 minutes ago
Norris INJURED at party with legendary DJ
- 1 hour ago
Newey tipped to POACH key Red Bull staff if he joins F1 rivals
- 2 hours ago
F1 paddock favourite admits immense DOUBTS over Verstappen Red Bull future
- 3 hours ago
Hamilton F1 rival makes SURPRISE claim about Ferrari move
- Today 16:57
Schumacher names shock F1 star to replace Hulkenberg at Haas
- Today 15:57
Related news
F1 calendar shortened: Is it right to decide against replacing Russian Grand Prix?
F1 decide NOT to replace axed Russian Grand Prix
Schumacher 'hopes and prays' for Ukraine after Russian GP axe
McLaren insist dropped Russian GP was "untenable"
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860