Verstappen responds to Hamilton comments: 'We had a good time in Abu Dhabi'

Asked about the mutual relations between him and Verstappen, Hamilton replied that there are no problems between them. From his side at least, he stressed. The Mercedes driver said he only has respect for his rival, who Hamilton said only "did everything he had to do" in the much-discussed 2021 F1 season.

However, the seven-time world champion did add that he cannot speak for Verstappen and so it is possible that the Dutchman feels differently. Verstappen was immediately confronted with Hamilton's statements after the launch of Red Bull Racing's RB19 by British Mirror Sport.

No issues between Verstappen and Hamilton

"I don’t have an issue with anyone," Verstappen replied. He refers to the farewell dinner organised for Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, at which all the drivers were present. "We all had a laugh with everyone, we all had a good time. So that's okay."

The Red Bull driver added that it would be "in the interest of the sport" if Hamilton and other drivers could get back into the fray in the coming season. "For the sport, everyone wants a title battle with multiple teams involved," he said. In that case, he does see room for improvement in his own team: "From our side we can do better because in qualifying, most of the time we were not the quickest car."