The 2023 Italian GP might have marked a historic feat for Max Verstappen as the Dutchman won his 10th race in a row. However, off-track drama marred the aftermath of the race. Verstappen’s dominance has been evident in the current season. Nonetheless, there is one aspect of his dominance that has prevailed throughout most of his career. And that is his performance against his teammates. The Red Bull driver is notoriously challenging to compete against, especially as a teammate. This pattern of dominating teammates is common among many world champions. Lewis Hamilton pointed this out when he compared his list of teammates to Verstappen’s.

While many might agree with Hamilton’s statement, some find the timing of it all to be ungracious. The “gets blown up a lot more” comment from Hamilton has become a highly debatable topic. The Brit has a valid point, with many experts, including those on the ESPN Unlapped podcast panel, agreeing with him. However, there is a suggestion of ungraciousness in his remarks.

ESPN journalist Laurence Edmondson said, “I think the reasons for him saying it are a little out of bounds. But I do kind of agree with what he’s saying because if you look at his teammates, well three of them are world champions. None of Max’s are world champions and George Russell, I think, genuinely has the potential to go on and win the championship. Looking at the others maybe Albon, if things go right in his career, but the others, I’m not sure they’re of that caliber.”

“So I do think there is something in what Lewis is saying, but I think it’s a little bit ungracious to bring it up now, you know when all the focus is on Max,” he added.

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This is still a polite assessment of the comment and most aren’t as kind in expressing their opinion, especially Verstappen.

Max Verstappen gives a brutal comeback to the comment from Lewis Hamilton

After some consideration, the Mercedes driver may be gaining supporters for his claim regarding the level of difficulty compared to his teammates. However, whether or not there is extra media attention, these comments didn’t sit well with Verstappen. After the Brit’s attempt to belittle his dominance, Verstappen retaliated with a monologue of personal attacks aimed at Hamilton and Mercedes.

“Maybe Lewis is a little jealous of my current success. He may think he gains something with that, with those kinds of statements, but it doesn’t matter to me. I think it’s very difficult for them to deal with losses at Mercedes, after all these years that they have won so much. But at some point you also have to be realistic, if you know it’s not in it. Then you have to be able to appreciate what other teams do. We have always done that in the years that they were dominant,” said Verstappen.

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This public battering of each other clearly showcases there are still some lingering tensions between the two. Let’s hope it soon translates to some on-track duels as well.