Max Verstappen is adamant the ‘drama’ of his relationship with Lewis Hamilton must end. The Red Bull and Mercedes stars clashed multiple times in 2021, enhancing the spectacle of the sport. Yet Formula One’s newest champion wants things between them to change.
Verstappen has been, for years, steadily closing the gap on Hamilton.
And that appeared to show in 2021, with both men clashing numerous times over the course of the campaign.
In the end, it was Verstappen who had the last laugh with the Dutch driver winning the F1 title on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.
It was a bitter blow for Hamilton, with the Brit denied the chance to eclipse Michael Schumacher’s record of seven crowns.
The 37-year-old has only recently returned to social media, while he visited the Mercedes factory earlier in the week as part of his preparations for the new campaign.
“There was a total respect on his choice to be on silent mode,” Domenicali said.
“I think he will be fully charged for the start of the season.
“Lewis has in front of him a possibility to be an eight-time world champion.
“So I’m sure he is totally focused on these objectives because this year there will be so many new things, so many variables, that will allow this championship to be so attractive.”
Domenicali also wants Hamilton and Verstappen to have more competition when it comes to winning the F1 title.
“My aspiration for F1 is there would not only be a rivalry between two drivers, but a rivalry between more drivers because we are in front of a step change for F1 in regards to the new cars,” he said.
“If the job will be done in the right way, I think the objective was very clear, to make sure the drivers who are a big asset for F1 will have the chance to do it because of the cars.
“My dream will be to have not only Max and Lewis fighting for that, but also having other drivers as part of the battle.”
Credit: Epxpress.co.uk,Getty Images,CNN
