Windsor sees big turnaround in Verstappen and Hamilton dynamics

Hamilton is going to have a hard time with Russell

In 2021, Verstappen finally managed to beat Hamilton. The Dutchman had long been seen as the great challenger to the seven-time world champion, but Red Bull Racing 's equipment was just not enough in the years leading up to 2021. Last year Honda and Red Bull managed to create a car for Verstappen with which he beat Hamilton. That Verstappen is the attacking newcomer and Hamilton is the old hand with many titles is no longer the prevailing image in 2022, according to F1 expert Peter Windsor.

Hamilton reappeared in front of the world press after a long radio silence, including for GPBlog.com. Windsor tells in a YouTube video that he saw a fresh Hamilton during that press conference with a new strong mindset. According to the Brit, this mindset also includes a different approach: "Let's assume that Mercedes is a bit behind Red Bull and that they are a bit slower. I think that's a good position for Lewis to be the Lewis that he currently exudes; a driver who can get the best out of a somewhat difficult car, who has to pull himself up to Max and Red Bull."

Roles Verstappen and Hamilton reversed?

Windsor thinks the reverse will also be true. A strong car from the start of the season for Hamilton could be a disadvantage for the Brit. According to Windsor, this is mainly due to the new teammate George Russell who, with a similar speed to Hamilton during the winter tests, can make it very difficult for him. Windsor even concludes, "With George, Lewis has a much harder time than Verstappen has with Sergio Perez."

The crucial factor in Windsor's argument is Hamilton's changed mindset. The seven-time world champion was dealt a severe blow by Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. While Wolff and Hamilton think and hope that they will appear stronger than ever at the start of 2022, Windsor hopes for a new role for Hamilton. A role in which Hamilton must hunt down Verstappen instead of the other way around.