Over the last few years, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have developed one of the greatest rivalries in modern F1. As the title run in 2021 finished in the most controversial fashion, relations between the duo soured further. However, 2022 was a different story altogether, as Max practically ran away with the championship, almost undisputed. All this while, Lewis had one of the worst seasons of his F1 career, failing to register any race win for the first time. Despite that, Max Verstappen holds him in very high regard and acknowledges the looming threat from the Briton. The compliment came with a big asterisk, though.

Hamilton, in a recent interview with Formula 1 Magazine, talked about the respect he had for Max. However, he also expressed his doubt about whether the respect was mutual. The Dutchman put his doubts to rest in an interview, recalling how they had a great time together at Sebastian Vettel’s retirement dinner last year. Now the reigning champion has come out praising his rival while answering whether he is still capable of winning the title.

Speaking with Sky Sports Red Bull’s 2023 livery launch, Verstappen said, “He’s been one of the greatest drivers ever in the sport, so for sure if he has the car to do it, he can fight for the title again.”

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He also acknowledged the threat from George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris. Again, he stressed the need for the car to be quick enough and their ability to avoid big mistakes to achieve that.

Max Verstappen is unsure whether he can win the title for the third time running

Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach saw them take a $7 million fine. On top of that, the FIA threw them a curveball, hitting them with a 10% wind tunnel time reduction sanction. Team boss Christian Horner called the punishment “draconian” and told how it could hamper their car development prospects in the future. The sanction has thrown the golden boy into doubt as well.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Max told, “You always try to go for it [championship win], but I don’t know if we’re going to be good enough.”

“Of course as a team we believe we are, we are very motivated, we come off the back of a very strong year and we are working flat out to try and achieve that.”

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We are not too far away from the start of the new season. Teams have started to unveil their cars one by one. The excitement is building. We certainly can’t wait for the action to start. Can you?