'Fairytales' – Lewis Hamilton speaks out on Max Verstappen rivalry

Sir Lewis Hamilton says that he has no problem with rival Max Verstappen as the new Formula One season edges closer.

The seven-time world champion has shared many great rivalries throughout his career with the likes of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg, but none quite like with Verstappen.

The Mercedes and Red Bull drivers went wheel-to-wheel for the 2021 title, going into the season finale at Abu Dhabi level on points, with the Dutchman prevailing in infamous circumstances.

That season as a whole was packed with controversial incidents including collisions between the pair at the British, Italian and Saudi Arabian grand prix.

In 2022, the huge gap in pace between the Mercedes W13 and the Red Bull RB18 meant that pair had few opportunities to directly race each other as Verstappen cruised to the title, but nevertheless they still managed to come to blows in Brazil.

After that encounter, Hamilton remarked: ‘You know how it is with Max’, later adding that he: ‘Wouldn’t hold your breath,’ waiting for a clean fight with the 25-year-old.

All of this has lead to speculation that the two can’t stand each other, but the British sporting hero has now claimed that this isn’t true at all, remarking that he has nothing but respect for the reigning champion.

In the meantime, they can look forward to the 2023 car launches next month with Red Bull and Mercedes set to unveil their new machines on February 3rd and February 15th respectively.

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