Austin, Oct 22 (BUS): Formula 1 title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been close on track all season, at times too close, but keeping their distance.
Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Hamilton, six points behind Red Bull’s Verstappen after 16 of 22 races, had little to say when asked at the US Grand Prix on Thursday how the relationship had changed as the title struggle intensified.
“We have limited contacts… some drivers are hanging out more than others. I wouldn’t say I’m in close contact with anyone here,” said the Briton, who clashed with the Dutch driver and collided with the driver.
“Like last year, we’ll see each other on the track and say hi. We’ll do the same this year and it’s no different for me personally.”
Verstappen has won seven races to Hamilton’s five this year, but Austin has been much more on the Mercedes track than Red Bull in recent years.
Hamilton has won five of the eight races held in Austin, and Mercedes has been in pole position in the last six races at the Circuit of the Americas.
However, this year could be a lot closer, and Hamilton – winner of a career record 100 – knows that the next race in Mexico could also be tough.
Asked about the importance of winning in Austin, Hamilton said it was important to win every race.
“It’s going to be incredibly difficult. There will be moments when we can beat it,” said the Briton. “I don’t like to assume that Mexico will not be strong but it is usually very strong in Mexico.”
“A lot can happen in these six races and so I think we take it one race at a time and then give it our all.”
Verstappen dismissed suggestions he might be on the trail after he regained the lead in Turkey two weeks ago, a race which Hamilton’s Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas comfortably enough won.
“We know we still have a bit of work to do. We want to be faster,” he said. “The team’s result was good in Turkey, the overall performance was not amazing.”
NS