Lewis Hamilton showed up at the Yas Marina circuit on Thursday wearing a purple outfit with a vulgar expression on the back, in the style of graffiti.
When asked if he wanted to send a message, the seven-time world champion said he ignored her presence until he put on his outfit. It’s a pure coincidence, said Hamilton, although there is no doubt that he is ready to do battle with Max Verstappen in the last Grand Prix of the season in Formula 1.
The two drivers have spent the last three days relaxing in Abu Dhabi before making a 75-minute drive to Yas Marina, where the World Championship race will be played on Sunday. They are neck and neck in the standings – it’s the first time since 1974 that two drivers are tied before the last stop of the season – and no title fight has been so fiercely contested for at least a decade. .
Hamilton and Verstappen therefore found themselves sitting side by side for their joint press conference on Thursday, being separated only by the F1 world champion’s trophy. And the psychological warfare had therefore begun, to determine which of the two pilots was less concerned as a historic weekend approached.
“I stayed in Dubai, enjoyed some great meals with friends and family, and celebrated my girlfriend’s birthday,” Verstappen said. These things have to happen too, because while Formula 1 is here, there are other important things in life that should be taken the time to celebrate. In addition, the temperature was pleasant, and made me forget the cold weather that is sweeping Europe at present. “
Verstappen, who is only 24, is trying to become the first Dutch driver to be crowned F1 world champion. He was in full control of the title race until last month. Hamilton posted three straight wins and wiped out the 19-point deficit between him and Verstappen.
Hamilton could now clinch an eighth world championship title – which would be an F1 record. The only black rider in the series could break the lingering tie with legendary Michael Schumacher, provided he crosses the finish line of the 5.28km circuit with 16 turns ahead of Verstappen.
“After the season we’ve just had, I’m sure a lot of people would have pushed us out of the title race at this point in the season,” Hamilton agreed. And no one has managed to win eight titles before. I am grateful. I still remember my conquest of my first [titre], so I’m familiar with the experience and the whole range of emotions we go through. “
But what about the pressure and tension that lingers in this spectacular title fight? Will they collide, as they did on two occasions earlier this season? Should they discuss Verstappen’s increasingly aggressive riding style behind closed doors?
The two men did not want to add fuel to the fire in raising the curtain on the most important weekend of the season in F1.
“As pilots, we don’t think about that. When we approach a weekend, we just want to give the best of ourselves for the team and of course to win the race, said the Red Bull driver. Obviously, the media get involved and say a lot of things. I introduced myself here telling myself that I have to do my best and that I have to be the best prepared [pour l’occasion]. “
“For my part, I don’t pay attention to it. I’m here to do the best job possible, with this great team, ”added Hamilton.
But there are obviously a few irritants behind the scenes.
Hours before their press conference, Verstappen complained about the treatment of the commissioners – he believes they are unfair to him, and that they are behind the smear campaign against him. time.
Both drivers have totaled three penalties in the last three races, and Verstappen has come under heavy criticism after last weekend’s test in Saudi Arabia. Hamilton had called the Red Bull driver “dangerous” and “nutty” during the race, and accused him even after the test of “having crossed the limit, without a shadow of a doubt”.
“It’s unfair because I’m treated differently from other drivers,” said Verstappen. The other pilots always stay out of trouble, but I don’t. I believe the problem is there. “
He will not change his riding style, however, and hopes that the marshals will make sure that the last race “will be fair for everyone, which is not the case at the moment. But like I said, I don’t feel like I made a mistake, and obviously if other people don’t make mistakes, then why should I adapt my riding when others have? permission to fly like that? I think everyone should be able to ride that way. “
But whatever, Verstappen assures that he won’t crack under the pressure this weekend.
“It’s not bullying,” Verstappen hammered. But what is happening right now is not correct. “