Max Verstappen shares truth behind Lewis Hamilton rivalry with stylish Brit comment

Max Verstappen has refuted any suggestion that he and Lewis Hamilton have a 'difficult relationship', despite the number of incidents between the two over the years. A rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton had been brewing for several seasons before their epic battle in 2021.

The Dutchman had annoyed several drivers on the grid with his aggressive driving style, causing collisions on occasion. Hamilton was one of many drivers to speak out against Verstappen's conduct, with the Red Bull star defending his actions on several occasions.

And that rivalry exploded in the 2021 season with Verstappen and Hamilton locked in a historic title battle. The pair fought several times - both on the track and in the media enclosure with commentary on each other.

But Verstappen seems to have forgotten the past when asked to describe his relationship with Hamilton on the F1 grid. While accepting that the two are polar opposites, Verstappen felt compelled to describe his rival as "one of the greatest drivers of all time" and refuted any suggestion that their relationship soured as a result. of the battle for the title of 2021.

JUST IN: Verstappen gives his thoughts on Hamilton's age and its impact on the title

"I don't think we have a difficult relationship at all," he told . "It's quite simple. It's just that with others you have a closer relationship.

"It depends to some extent on how you live your life, and maybe we're not similar in that regard. Sure, we had a big rivalry in 2021 but ultimately we have a lot of respect for each other.< /p>

NOT TO MISS

Lewis Hamilton defies FIA rules with political statement in Bahrain

Karun Chandhok puzzled by FIA rule as Hamilton dodges penalty

Bernie Ecclestone shoots Lewis Hamilton as F1 feud continues

LEARN MORE Lewis Hamilton granted medical exemption to circumvent FIA rule

"He is definitely one of the greatest drivers of all time. I don't need or want to deny that. Consistency is his key and he stays on top of his game.

"It's not that hard when you're so talented; it doesn't take a lot of effort to do it. The way he handled his championships is very impressive. He got up when he had to. and made the difference.'"

Verstappen is now on his own quest to catch up with Hamilton's seven world championships. The 25-year-old is embarking on his own era of F1 dominance after winning back-to-back world titles and is favorite to add a third in the 2023 season.