We are currently witnessing one of the most intense title battles the sport has seen in a long time. The tension between the two drivers has been immense. Interviews, on-track duels, and now social media posts, everything has become one big game. Recently, Mercedes took advantage of a very popular fan theory circulating the internet regarding Max Verstappen.

F1 fans have a very keen eye for details. A recent observation of Max’s luck had been made; when Verstappen wore his flat-brimmed cap to a race weekend, he ended up with a poor result. Additionally, a curve-brimmed appearance has always meant P1 for the leader.

The Silver Arrows made a very sly move referencing this theory. The team posted a picture of a Lewis Hamilton cap with “To Max” written on it. Further, the cap was flat-brimmed. A crafty move on the team’s part; the small post almost speaks volumes in the championship rivalry.

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Social media, in particular, has been a third person in this rivalry. Fans have played a crucial role in putting pressure on the opposing driver, as seen with the boos Hamilton faced. Further, this only adds to the coercion between the two protagonists. Psychological warfare for the two drivers, for sure.

Max and Lewis talk about championship pressure

The drivers haven’t been the only ones shooting arrows at each other; their team principals stand strong beside them, defending every statement made. Media day in Sochi had one trending word: pressure.

Lewis was asked if he thought Max was under pressure. Hamilton replied, “Obviously he won’t admit to it and I’m not going to make an assumption but I’m just saying I remember what it was like when I had my first one and it definitely mounted up.”

Evidently, the statement irked Verstappen. “It doesn’t matter if you’re just leading a championship or not, those comments I mean it just shows you that he doesn’t really know me, which is fine, I don’t need to know him, how he is fully.” 

Mercedes and Red Bull team principals chime in

Additionally, the team principals came in to play as well. Christian Horner defended his champion, saying that Max is just enjoying the ride and claiming Hamilton was the one under pressure. “I don’t see any change in him at all. I think Max is a young guy, he’s going for it, he’s got nothing to lose.”

The Mercedes boss was quick to retaliate and denied Hamilton being strained. “There is an angle that people don’t get to see, and that’s the focus, the concentration, the amount of work that [Lewis] puts into the sport. Lewis is] actually [in a] very upbeat, positive mood, enjoying the battle.”

Whether they admit to it or not, the tensions are well visible on the track. The fight for those points has been vigorous for the two drivers. While one tries to one-up the other, both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have eight rounds to clinch the title they’re fighting for.

However, it would be interesting to see if the flat-brimmed taunt from Mercedes breaks the evident curse for Verstappen.

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