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Mercedes reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne says Lewis Hamilton “knew exactly who he was up against and he adapted” in response to increased “bumps and contacts”.
As Mercedes’ reserve driver, Stoffel Vandoorne had the opportunity to watch the 2021 title fight up close and personal. He says the intense battle only increased Mercedes’ motivation.
“It was very intense and above all very interesting to see internally how the team was handling this totally new situation and competition against Red Bull,” Vandoorne told RTBF.
“Believe me, they were hyper-motivated and maybe even more so than when they dominated F1. They knew that every weekend everything had to be perfect and there was no room for error.”
Stoffel explained Lewis Hamilton changed his approach to racing midway through the season in response to Max Verstappen aggressiveness.
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“I think Lewis changed his approach on track from the middle of the season when the bumps and contacts were becoming more and more frequent.
“He knew exactly who he was up against and he adapted.”
Ultimately, he thinks both drivers gave their A-game in 2021.
“We had one of the best F1 seasons of all time. Every weekend it was Max against Lewis and this opposition, which put the same two drivers face to face every week, created a great story.
“It was all anyone could talk about, there was a lot of pressure. Verstappen and Hamilton were on another planet this year.
“Both deserved to win the title,” Vandoorne concluded.
