Former System 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has argued that Lewis Hamilton’s robust defence towards Max Verstappen on the Austrian Grand Prix proved that the Ferrari driver “would not neglect” their contentious historical past.
Whereas George Russell commanded the race on the Crimson Bull Ring with a win from pole place, a few of the standout on-track motion got here from a fierce mid-race battle between outdated title rivals Hamilton and Verstappen.
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The pair engaged in a tense back-and-forth, buying and selling positions however managing to maintain it clear. Whereas Hamilton was investigated for doubtlessly 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 believe the racing was actually good. I believe typically individuals neglect what occurred between Max and Lewis earlier than, and Lewis would not neglect.
“If you’re a driver, and so they run you over earlier than, you do not neglect, and if you happen to can provide it to them, you’ll all the way in which. And that is what we noticed at the moment. 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, Crimson Bull Racing
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
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.
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Since then, Verstappen has gone on to assert three additional titles whereas Hamilton battled towards 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.
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