Max Verstappen tipped to copy Lewis Hamilton after US GP radio message

Max Verstappen makes subtle dig at Lewis Hamilton in April

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Max Verstappen has been tipped by former F1 star Jolyon Palmer to follow Lewis Hamilton’s lead and build a world title run of his own after another impressive display at the United States Grand Prix. The Dutchman complained about conditions over the team radio but still put on a virtually faultless performance, highlighting his ‘elite’ consistency. 

Windy weather undoubtedly played its part in an eventful race on Sunday as F1 fans were treated to one of the most gripping races of the 2022 season. Verstappen repeatedly told his team that the conditions made his car unpredictable and difficult to drive, but it didn’t stop him piling in the lap times and fighting back to earn his 13th win of the year. 

A slow pit stop looked to have handed Lewis Hamilton his first victory of the season but superior straight-line speed saw Verstappen eat up the ground and pass his former foe with just a few laps remaining. The gloves were off for the Dutchman in Austin, given that he already sealed his second Drivers’ Championship in Japan last time out. 

When asked how many world titles Verstappen could win in his career, ex-Renault star Palmer tipped him to emulate Hamilton’s dominant run at Mercedes and build something of a streak at Red Bull. 

DON’T MISS: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell told ‘pathetic’ issue could make Mercedes win impossible

“It’s so hard to say [how many titles Verstappen can win] but many, many,” he told the F1: Chequered Flag podcast. “This is number two, we’ve seen drivers go on a run once they get the first one. We saw it with Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

“Verstappen has got two and I can see him going on his own run now. He’s just such a talent. He was on the radio today complaining of the wind countless times, other drivers were making mistakes. Lewis was a little scrappy sometimes, he would lose big chunks of time in sectors which is indicative of small mistakes. I’m sure everyone was doing it but Max is a driver of absolute elite level.”

Carlos Sainz started the day on pole after posting the fastest lap time during qualifying, but he was taken out by George Russell on the first corner of the first lap, landing the Mercedes ace a five-second time penalty. A hefty points haul from Verstappen and Sergio Perez saw Red Bull seal their first Constructors’ Championship since 2013, just one day after the death of team owner Dietrich Mateschitz. 

Fans were gripped by a brief but nostalgic battle between Verstappen and Hamilton in Austin but the 37-year-old, who won six world titles in seven years at Mercedes between 2014 and 2020, was no match for Red Bull’s searing pace on the straights. 

“With the straight line speed that [Red Bull] have… racing is almost a stretch between Hamilton and Verstappen,” added Palmer. “The move actually was a good one and Hamilton didn’t cover it. But if he hadn’t done it, the drive-by would’ve been on the next lap in the exact same way Verstappen did [Charles] Leclerc.

“As soon as Verstappen got within DRS, he was always going to do it. When that was flicked for Hamilton, he was nowhere near passing. It’s that straight-line speed for Red Bull which has been such an incredible weapon for them. Once Hamilton was caught, the move was always going to be done.”

Source: Read Full Article