Former Method 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has argued that Lewis Hamilton’s sturdy defence in opposition to Max Verstappen on the Austrian Grand Prix proved that the Ferrari driver “does not neglect” their contentious historical past.
Whereas George Russell commanded the race on the Pink Bull Ring with a win from pole place, among the standout on-track motion got here from a fierce mid-race battle between previous title rivals Hamilton and Verstappen.
The pair engaged in a tense back-and-forth, buying and selling positions however managing to maintain it clear. Whereas Hamilton was investigated for probably forcing Verstappen off the observe, the stewards deemed that no additional motion was crucial.
Talking throughout F1 TV’s post-race broadcast, Montoya defined: “I feel the racing was actually good. I feel generally folks neglect what occurred between Max and Lewis earlier than, and Lewis does not neglect.
“While you’re a driver, they usually run you over earlier than, you do not neglect, and in case you may give it to them, you’ll all the best way. And that is what we noticed at present. It was unbelievable. I used to be guffawing watching that.”
The fierce on-track historical past between the 2 champions reached its boiling level throughout the unforgettable 2021 F1 season. As Hamilton was preventing for his eighth championship title, Verstappen was gunning for his first. The season-long battle resulted in collisions at Silverstone, Monza and Jeddah.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing
Photograph by: Mark Thompson / Getty Photos
The championship went all the way down to the wire on the notorious 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the place the Dutchman claimed his maiden drivers’ title.
Since then, Verstappen has gone on to say three additional titles whereas Hamilton battled in opposition to a struggling Mercedes within the floor impact period earlier than transferring to Ferrari in 2025.
Verstappen completed the Austrian Grand Prix in second behind Russell after ranging from fifth, and Hamilton crossed the road to complete in fifth after beginning third on the grid.
We would like your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Crew
