Max Verstappen has opened up on his relationship with Sir Lewis Hamilton, admitting that there have been some “tense moments” between them this season.
The pair have been locked in a tight battle for the 2021 Drivers’ Championship ever since lights out in Bahrain.
With just five grand prix of 2021 to go, Verstappen currently leads Hamilton by 12 points, with him benefitting from victory last time out in Austin to double his advantage at the top of the table.
Speaking to The Gentleman’s Journal, Verstappen said his relationship with the Brit is what you would expect from two fierce rivals.
“It’s good. I mean, we’re how competitors should be. We’re not exactly going to have dinner together but that’s fine,” Verstappen said.
“You have that competitive spirit and we always try to beat each other on track, but also try to respect each other off track as well.
“So far there have been some tense moments, but overall it’s been all right.”
Continuing, the Dutch ace said he doesn’t pay attention to the background noise in Formula 1 and instead focuses on the task at hand.
“I know what I have to know in F1, within the team, and I’m not really interested in all the other stories around.
“I don’t want to follow it. I don’t want to see it on my feed. I just focus on having my own time with family and friends when I’m at home. If I am on social media, I don’t want to see a racing car.
“It’s not going to influence anything I do on the weekend, on the track, or my performance, so it’s just a waste of time to look at it.
“I prefer to spend the free time I have with my family or friends,” he added.
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