Hamilton sr. debunks suggestions: 'Max and Lewis don't hate each other'

According to Hamilton's father, it is not at all true that his son hates Verstappen or vice versa. "No, that's not true. They are fierce competitors," he tells in conversation with talkSPORT.

“Lewis is where Max wants to be, Max is where Lewis wants to be, they’re like boxers going into the ring, but I guarantee that when it’s over and done there will be huge hugs and laughter and kisses between the pair of them.”

It's all part of the sport

Last Friday in Austin, an incident took place between the title rivals in which Verstappen called Hamilton a "stupid idiot" and waved his middle finger. According to Hamilton senior, it's all part of the game. "It's called competition," he says. “If you’re too friendly with your competitor then you ease off the gas a little bit too much."

"You only have to look further down the field yesterday between the two McLaren drivers and the Ferrari drivers, those guys are friends.” The men from McLaren and Ferrari also had a fierce battle in the race and it is known that Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have a good relationship with each other. "This is racing," Hamilton senior believes. "When you’re off the field you’re very friendly, when you’re in battle, all is fair in love and war.”