Max Verstappen wasn’t at all fazed by Lewis Hamilton during their title fight in 2021, and that stood out considering the gap in experience and achievements.
Hamilton came into the season as a seven-time world champion with 105 race wins and over 250 starts to his name. Verstappen, on the other hand, had only just hit double figures for career victories by the end of the previous year.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen’s quiet promise to Helmut Marko after Christian Horner left Red Bull
Some pointed to Verstappen’s clashes with Hamilton in Italy and Saudi Arabia – both earning him penalties – as signs of immaturity. But this had more to do with how fierce the title fight was. Hamilton also picked up a penalty after their incident at Silverstone.
Verstappen managed it all like a champion, which played a big role in why he came out on top, no matter how much debate followed. His drive in Austin was a prime example, holding off Hamilton late despite having much older tyres.
Verstappen’s subtle gamesmanship during title fight with Hamilton
Bradley Scanes, Verstappen’s former performance coach, recently discussed the 2021 season on the High Performance Podcast, highlighting one of the ways Verstappen tried to unsettle his rival.
Scanes pointed out that Hamilton would often take his time getting ready between sessions and media duties. Verstappen noticed this early on and didn’t appreciate having to wait around.
In response, Verstappen began to take just as long, changing every part of his kit before heading out. According to Scanes, this was a deliberate shift in approach – a move meant to send a message.
It’s another example of the kind of psychological battles that often play out behind the scenes in Formula One title races.
“One of the funniest things would be the time it would take to get ready,” he said. “So when I first started working with Max, the top three go into the cool-down room after the race, or after qualifying there is a little area where you go.”
“And Lewis would always take a long time to get ready. He’d want to change fully out of his kit and get his hair done, put his own clothes on whereas Max would just change his suit or go as he is to the press conference.”
“As it progressed, we started changing every part of the kit, and you could just see Max taking his time. We started changing full kit and flip was Max really started to take his time so Lewis had to wait for him.”
“It was just a power trip thing where we’re saying: ‘We’re not waiting for you anymore’. The baton has been passed and we’re taking over from here.’’”
Max Verstappen’s tactics angered Angela Cullen during the 2021 title race
Scanes’ counterpart, Angela Cullen, was furious with Verstappen after the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton accused Verstappen of brake testing him following a directive to give up the race lead.
Hamilton collided with the back of Verstappen’s car but still managed to win despite damage to his front wing. After the session, Cullen warned Hamilton that such driving could have serious consequences.
The event is also remembered for Verstappen’s near-perfect pole lap. He had put together two outstanding sectors before crashing at the final corner.
Scanes shared that Verstappen had built his own simulation of the track using help from someone online, as Red Bull didn’t have their usual model ready due to how new the circuit was.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
