Montoya: Hamilton's Austria defense proves he 'doesn't forget' Verstappen feud

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya says Lewis Hamilton's fierce defense against Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix proves the Ferrari driver has not forgotten their bitter 2021 title rivalry. The pair traded positions in a tense mid-race duel that revived memories of their most heated campaigns, even as George Russell cruised to victory from pole.

Why it matters:

The Hamilton-Verstappen dynamic remains the most charged rivalry in modern F1. Their 2021 season produced collisions at Silverstone, Monza and Jeddah before the controversial Abu Dhabi finale, and seeing that intensity resurface with Hamilton now in Ferrari red reignites a feud many assumed had cooled. For Ferrari, it signals the seven-time champion is willing to race Verstappen as hard as ever.

The details:

• During F1 TV's post-race coverage, Montoya said he was "giggling" at the spectacle, adding: "When you're a driver, and they run you over before, you don't forget, and if you can give it to them, you will all the way."
• Hamilton and Verstappen battled fiercely at the Red Bull Ring. Stewards investigated whether Hamilton forced Verstappen off track but took no further action.
• Russell won from pole, while Verstappen recovered from fifth to finish second and Hamilton dropped from third on the grid to cross the line in fifth.

What's next:

The clash suggests Hamilton's move to Maranello has not softened his edge against Verstappen. With Ferrari chasing Red Bull, future battles between the pair could prove decisive. Their shared history guarantees neither will yield an inch when the stakes rise later this season.