Max Verstappen opens up on Lewis Hamilton ‘anger’ during thrilling F1 title fight

Max Verstappen prevails in world title shoot-out

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Max Verstappen has opened up on moments he and Lewis Hamilton were ‘angry’ with each other over the course of the F1 season. The Red Bull star has a fierce rivalry with his Mercedes counterpart. Yet, in the end, it was he who reigned supreme in the battle for glory.

Hamilton went into the F1 season with many expecting the Mercedes star to claim the prize, overtaking Michael Schumacher’s record in the process.

However, the Brit was denied glory by Verstappen – who overtook him on the final lap of the campaign to win his first title.

Though Mercedes protested in the aftermath of the frantic finale in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen has since been confirmed as the sport’s newest champion.

The Red Bull star has now spoken to Servus TV, reflecting on the season.

And he’s opened up on Hamilton, admitting they had some ‘angry’ moments together while insisting he respects the 36-year-old.

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“In the end it was okay,” said Verstappen, who will be looking to retain his crown next year.

“Of course we’ve had our moments and maybe we were angry with each other.

“But we also had nice duels and overtaking manoeuvres. So the respect is still there.”

Verstappen also admitted he wanted Hamilton to stay in the sport amid speculation the Brit could be about to retire.

“Normally, Lewis has to come back,” he continued.

“Those words came to my mind after the race, but I think for him it was a normal emotional reaction.

“So I count on him coming back.”

Red Bull chief Helmut Marko was also speaking and shed light on his relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

The two men have exchanged numerous barbs and exchanges over the past 12 months as the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen escalated.

And Marko admitted that while they’d never go on holiday together, they still share a mutual respect.

“We won‘t go on vacation together,” he said.

“Toto said in the Mercedes factory that Red Bull are the enemies to motivate his team. Toto does a great job.

“Obviously I try to get the best out of it for Red Bull, so there are points of conflicts but generally there is respect.”

Regarding Hamilton potentially quitting F1, Valtteri Bottas has called on his Mercedes ally to stay and try and win his title back.

“With Lewis what has been really impressive is that every year he’s still able to develop as a driver,” he said.

“He’s got such a big experience of Formula 1 but still he’s been able to learn more and for sure I’ve developed myself as a driver, but so has Lewis.

“It doesn’t come automatically, he works for it because he knows the competition is getting tougher and tougher.

“I’ve definitively learned many things from him during these five years, driving wise, set-up wise, lots of small things here and there.

“It’s been impressive to see him still develop and not get too comfortable.

“He always wants more out of himself and the team around him. It’s been the same thing every year, he keeps getting better.”

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