© Wolfgang Wilhelm for Daimler AG
Lewis Hamilton talked about adapting to driving styles of his on-track rivals, and said Max Verstappen is a driver “you have to give more space to”.
After his collision with Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton gave his opinion on the duo’s duels so far.
“The most important thing is that we duel firmly and fairly and give the season a good follow-up,” the Briton said at the Thursday press conference.
“In a title race you have to weigh up the pros and cons. Of course a driver always wants to overtake, but you can’t win everything in one corner.
“Sometimes it’s more important to make it to the next corner. Then you have to avoid such a fierce duel. It’s also a question of experience.”
On the Russian Grand Prix Weekend Warm-Up Lewis went on to talk about how he will try to adapt to Verstappen’s driving style.
“I have been racing for a long time and have raced against many different characters. So many talented drivers with each having their own unique qualities.
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“Some drivers you have to give more space to than others, and Max is one of those drivers. We just have a lot of exciting fights this year, and with every race I learn more and more about him as a character, as a person and as a driver.
“I try to learn from that to be able to make better choices in the future. But for that I already have to make sure I don’t get in that position.”
Asked if he thinks Verstappen will ever give up a duel, Lewis said it was unlikely.
“Uhhh, he hasn’t shown that yet. It’s also not that I expect or want that from a driver, but everyone has to know where the limit is. That’s the balance you have to have as a driver.
“I was like that in my first year when I was fighting for the title. Then it was also at every duel do or die. I have no doubt he will continue to develop.
“He is already such a great driver, so I believe he will get stronger and stronger,” concluded the seven-time champion.
