After a number of high-profile events in the title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the two drivers are often the talk of the town. This is not always in a positive sense. According to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, his driver is not awake for a moment, despite ‘provocations’ from Hamilton.
“Lewis is constantly dropping a little sneer or some provocations,” Horner says in conversation with The Telegraph. “But I think the best thing about Max is that he doesn’t give a f*ck. He is who he is. He drives a car fast. Then he wants to go home to play games on his Playstation. It’s that simple. “
Both physically and mentally Horner sees Verstappen in top form. The team boss of the Dutchman can therefore only praise his performance. “Max drives like Tyson Fury fights,” he continues. “He has the same heart. You know he just gives it his all, and when you take him down, he comes back on top. He has that intense desire and tremendous dedication.”
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Hamilton in favor in Jeddah?
According to many Formula 1 experts, the circuit in Saudi Arabia is in favor of Hamilton and Mercedes. Horner, however, expects Verstappen to surprise. “I would put my money on Max if you ask which driver is the fastest on the very first fast lap.” It will be the drivers’ first time driving on the brand new street circuit in Jeddah.
The fact that Mercedes and Hamilton have an advantage on the Corniche Circuit is due to the speed on the straights and the engine advantage of the Brit. However, Horner thinks it will not be too bad, because Mercedes’ speed was also somewhat disappointing in Qatar. “For the first time since the British Grand Prix, we saw that the speed on the straights is about the same.”
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Can Wolff and Horner have another beer?
Two more races before the 2021 season is over and the title is determined. Red Bull and Mercedes can both still become champions in the constructors’ world championship. Both teams therefore do everything in their power to trump the competition, both on and off the track. This caused a markedly deteriorated relationship between Horner and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
Can the two have a beer together when the championship is over? Horner cautiously expects it to. “Whatever the outcome, a handshake will surely come eventually. Then he will no doubt try to beat me when it all starts all over again,” he concludes.
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Coronel: “It’s up to Hamilton to give Verstappen space”
Tom Coronel looks ahead to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for RacingNews365. According to the WTCR driver, Mercedes has the advantage at the moment, but Max Verstappen should never be underestimated. In fact, Coronel thinks Lewis Hamilton should step aside for the Dutchman. You can watch Tom Coronel’s full preview of the race in Jeddah below.
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