Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that Lewis Hamilton has gained more respect for Max Verstappen in recent times.
The Canadian expressed this view on Sky Sports’ F1 podcast, where he and former driver Martin Brundle reflected on the recent Grand Prix in Mexico.
During the race, Hamilton and Verstappen once again clashed, a reminder of their intense title battle in 2021. In the opening lap, Verstappen briefly went off the track, while Hamilton went off the track at turns 4 and 5. For the latter incident, the seven-time world champion received a ten-second time penalty from the race officials.
Brundle posed the question of whether Hamilton, given the events of 2021, might be indifferent to damaging Verstappen’s championship chances. “I don’t think he would do it on purpose, as I don’t see him as an unsporting driver,” said Brundle. “But do you think he would care much if he were to damage Max’s title chances, after 2021?”
‘Not as preoccupied anymore’
Villeneuve responded with the conviction that the mutual relations have changed by now. “Personally, probably not,” he said. “But it seems like he finally respects Max for what he has achieved and the way he wins races week after week. So I don’t think he’s as preoccupied with it as he was two years ago.”
Verstappen finished the race in Mexico in third place, thereby reducing his deficit to championship leader Lando Norris. With four races left, the difference between the two drivers is 36 points. The season will continue next weekend with the Grand Prix of São Paulo at the Interlagos circuit.
