Hamilton revenge dismissed as motivation revealed for new Verstappen fight

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has claimed Lewis Hamilton will not be motivated by "revenge" as he seeks to claw back the world title from Max Verstappen.

Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth world drivers' title in controversial circumstances at last year's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before disappearing from the public eye for a number of months.

In the leadup to the new season, the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen has been played up as one of the main talking points but Herbert does not believe the seven-time champion will be unduly distracted by the Dutchman.

"Some people seem to think that because of what happened last year, Lewis is going to be particularly motivated to come back for revenge," Herbert told Betway Insider.

"That’s not Lewis’ way. Lewis is motivated to do the best he can at any given track at any part of the season. He had that hunger in 2007 and he still has it now.

"It amazes me how receptive he is to learning, even as a seven-time champion.

"That said, I’m sure the way that Max is pushing him does help. It’s amazing, even for me as an ex-driver, to watch the way that these guys find ways to navigate their way through the season and adapt to different races.

"Driving around Bahrain is one thing, but then going to Saudi Arabia, to Australia, back to Europe, and so on requires so much adaptability and concentration.

"That’s the skillset that I think is going to make this Championship and I really hope that they both turn it on."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 rivals summoned by FIA as penalty decision debated at Austrian Grand Prix

• 5 minutes ago

Why Red Bull are risking it all as Max Verstappen exit looms

• 23 minutes ago

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton prompts Mercedes ‘reality check’, shock exit announced

• 1 hour ago

FIA announce heat hazard at Austrian Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

F1 Practice Today: Austrian Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream

• 2 hours ago

Fernando Alonso 'leaning towards' big decision on his F1 future

• 3 hours ago