Max Verstappen Believes He is in the Heads of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel

Following the Mexican Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton confessed that he would steer clear of Max Verstappen. In fact, he believes that the Dutchman has usurped Daniil’s Kvyat’s role as the ‘Torpedo’.

The world champion elect’s race was almost ended in the opening sequence of the race. Verstappen started from fourth after losing pole position, courtesy a post-qualifying penalty. However, he got a decent start and was alongside Hamilton as they entered the first corner.

With the gap closing rapidly, the pair went wheel to wheel through turn two and touched. Both drivers were forced to bail out and took a trip across the grass. Hamilton took damage to his rear floor, costing him stability and consequently forcing him to adapt his driving style.

Hamilton had been critical of Max Verstappen, especially after his qualifying shenanigans. The Briton described the fact that he didn’t slow for yellow flags as “careless and not abiding by the rules”.

After the race his opinion on Verstappen dipped even further. He suggested that it was almost inevitable unless he was given a wide berth.

“Every driver is slightly different. Some are very smart and aggressive, and some are silly with it,” he said. “So through those experiences you give some more space, and with others you don’t have to because they are quite respectful. But with Max it is very likely you are going to come together with him if you don’t give him the extra space.”

Even Sebastian Vettel agreed with his Mercedes rival, though his response was more on the humorous side. Now, the Red Bull driver has defended himself and claimed that he is winning in the mind games department.

In the Thursday press conference, he said, “I am always a hard racer but fair. I think it‘s just not correct. But of course it‘s easy to have a dig at someone. But it‘s always good when someone talk about you because that means you are in their heads.”

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