IT’S A RIVALRY FOR THE AGES
HAMILTON AND VERSTAPPEN ROUND TWO SHOULD BE IMOLA THRILLER
IMOLA, redolent with stories of heroism and tragedy, plays host to the second stage of a rivalry that is, just possibly, shaping up to be one of the great conflicts in Formula One history.
There is Lewis Hamilton, in the silver corner, and Max Verstappen, in blue and red, fighting it out for the motor-racing championship of the world.
Yesterday, it was advantage Hamilton as his Dutch rival fell victim to his Red Bull suffering a mechanical problem 10 minutes into second practice. Verstappen pulled over at the end of the pit straight with a suspected driveshaft failure.
He managed just five laps, as Valtteri Bottas led Hamilton in a Mercedes one-two, as he had in the morning’s earlier running.
Hamilton won their duel in Bahrain three weeks ago, the champion finding a brilliance that held off the advances of Verstappen — driving the very marginally better car.
Verstappen said: ‘F1 needs a proper fight because the last few years have been a bit boring.
‘As a fan you really want to be looking forward to the next race, knowing that there are two or three teams fighting for that win.
‘I guess after Lewis won his last six championships where the battle was not as high for him, now he really wants that battle.
‘He has already achieved everything, way more than you can ever imagine. But he is like, “OK, I am getting towards the end of my career and it is nice to see the younger guys making it more difficult for me”.
‘And, of course, I am very happy to make it more difficult for him.’
Hamilton is clearly energised by the fight. At 36, he seems as keen as ever to make his will prevail. He showed his greater experience to win their last battle — with a composure under pressure that is unmatched — in Bahrain.
But Verstappen believes he can prevail over the season, a 23-round marathon.
He said: ‘Yes, I think so. I just need to be quick on the track and that will do it. Lewis has a lot of experience but that is fine, I am up for it.
‘Is there more pressure on me now? No, it is less because I have a faster car. Everything is easier.’
Asked whether he might have a future at Mercedes if Hamilton leaves at the end of the season, Verstappen added: ‘I have a contract at Red Bull until 2023, and I am very happy where I am. There is no reason to change.’
Elsewhere, there are rumours around Aston Martin and the future of respected team principal Otmar Szafnauer. The British team are in a recruitment drive — hiring up to 200 new people, including former Ferrari boss Marco Mattiacci as ‘growth and development consultant’.
However, executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said: ‘I categorically deny there is any truth whatsoever in the rumour.’