The closing stages of the 2020 F1 season teased a potential rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with the duo often ending up in each other’s path.

And rightfully so, the 2021 season opened up to an ecstatic show in Bahrain, as Hamilton and Verstappen raced each other to the line, with the former just managing to hold off the latter. There was respect, and even if the Dutchman notched up his aggression, Hamilton would yield.

But, at one point, the Briton had to fight back, and he did. Unfortunately, that’s when their relationship went a bit off-track. The incidents at Silverstone and Monza led to an awful disturbance between the two.

There were blame games, and on top of that, the team principals’ interference only stirred up more controversy. But Verstappen is quite confident that the respect is very much intact between the duo despite the tense moments this season.

What did Max Verstappen say?

Speaking to Gentleman’s Journal, Verstappen calmly affirmed that the state of his relationship with Hamilton hasn’t taken any blows yet. “It’s good,” the Dutchman said.

“I mean, we’re how competitors should be. We’re not exactly going to have dinner together but that’s fine. You have that competitive spirit and we always try to beat each other on track but also try to respect each other off track as well. So far there have been some tense moments, but overall it’s been all right.”

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But one can never deny the fact that Verstappen‘s aggression is still very much alive. And it was quite evident at COTA as well. The Dutchman knew Hamilton had a better getaway, and he almost squeezed the Mercedes to the left-most part of the massively wide straight, but the Briton just managed to pip ahead.

More tense moments in the offing?

The season is steadily reaching the season, and Hamilton will be aware of the fact that 2021 could well be his best chance to beat Michael Schumacher‘s title record.

With the Briton slowly getting past his prime and much a fiercer George Russell joining alongside him as his teammate, the fear is starting to engulf Hamilton. 2021 could have been yet another cakewalk for Hamilton had Verstappen not been in the frame.

But he is very much in the frame, and he is showing immense resilience against Hamilton at the moment, a factor that other rivals lacked while challenging the Mercedes driver. Hence, there is no denying that Hamilton will go to any extent to beat Verstappen this season.

If you don’t trust our judgment, feel free to take a look at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But, as spectators, this is exactly the kind of ending we need. So, will the seven-time world champion and his Dutch rival, together, deliver another spectacular end to the F1 season?

Watch Story: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track