Villeneuve: Hamilton Finally Respects Verstappen's Achievements

Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton has finally developed respect for Max Verstappen's consistent winning performances, suggesting a shift in their famously intense rivalry. This comes after their contentious 2021 season and recent on-track battles, including incidents at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

After years of a fiery rivalry that peaked with the controversial 2021 title decider, a newfound respect between two of F1's greatest drivers could signal a more mature, albeit still competitive, era. This dynamic shift could influence future on-track interactions and the overall championship narrative, moving past the lingering animosity.

The Details:

• Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve, in an appearance on Sky Sports' The F1 Show podcast, suggested that Lewis Hamilton is now respecting Max Verstappen's achievements and consistent victories.
• Villeneuve's comments were in response to Martin Brundle's question regarding whether Hamilton would intentionally jeopardize Verstappen's championship chances, given their 2021 history.
• Their rivalry famously culminated in the dramatic 2021 World Championship, which Verstappen won.
• Recent On-Track Incidents: At the Mexico City Grand Prix, both drivers were involved in separate incidents:
  • Verstappen cut across the grass at the first sequence of corners.
  • Hamilton went off track at Turns 4 and 5, resulting in a 10-second time penalty from the stewards.
• Villeneuve indicated that Hamilton likely isn't as bothered by Verstappen's success now as he would have been a couple of years ago.

The Big Picture:

Verstappen is currently leading the championship standings, moving closer to securing his fifth consecutive world title. With four rounds remaining, he holds a 36-point lead over Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver's consistent dominance since 2021 has seemingly commanded respect across the paddock, even from his fiercest competitors. This respect could mark a new chapter in how these titans of the sport view each other and race against one another.

What's Next:

The F1 season continues next weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. The dynamic between Hamilton and Verstappen, whether overtly competitive or tinged with newfound respect, will undoubtedly be a focal point as Verstappen continues his charge towards another championship title.