McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo says Lewis Hamilton’s performance in 2021 is “showing people that maybe doubted him, why he is as good as he is”.
At McLaren’s special one-off Monaco livery presentation, Daniel Ricciardo gave his comments on Lewis Hamilton’s performance in his 2021 battle with Max Verstappen.
“A lot of people are probably tipping their hat to Lewis,” Ricciardo said.
“He’s getting it dished back at him and he’s holding his ground. And, I guess, showing people that maybe doubted him, why he is as good as he is.”
The Australian driver was then asked who he thinks will come out on top between Hamilton and Verstappen.
“At this stage, you’d always, I guess, take experience. So if it was really down to the wire, then I think Lewis has showed some strong signs. But then again, if there’s a gap, Max goes for it.
“That’s why obviously I respect Max a lot.”
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At the Spanish Grand Prix Hamilton said he has learned more about Verstappen than ever before. Ricciardo believes this could be an example of playing mind games.
“If it had been in qualifying, then he would have been able to see a different line that Max may be taking, or something like that.
“So maybe that could be just a little bit of a comment to like, get some shout about nothing. Maybe it is a bit of a way to engage in some mind games.
“But, in saying that, you can learn a little bit. You do know if someone’s rattled when you’re the hunter.
“You can tell if, and I’m not saying this was that situation, but particularly pre F1, when you’re stalking someone, you can see when they’re starting to slide the car more, lock a brake, or drop a wheel here.
“We obviously can’t see them, but if you picture them without a helmet on, in that moment, their expressions would be tense.
“Perhaps he’s referring to that. And maybe Max was like erratic, I don’t know.
“But could just be something that’s nothing,” concluded the Australian driver.
