Despite having previously received abuse from Max Verstappen fans at the Dutch Grand Prix, Sir Lewis Hamilton has sensationally claimed that he “could live” in Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands.
It comes as a surprise that Hamilton would be willing to live in the Dutch capital, after he was met with a plethora of abuse at last season’s Dutch GP.
The seven-time World Champion had received threats that fans were going to throw rotten tomatoes at him in 2021, with the Dutch race last season having come a few rounds after Hamilton’s and Verstappen’s significant collision at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton isn’t worried about the Dutch fans on race day, despite having been booed and jeered at the Austrian Grand Prix recently.
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The sport was forced to condone the Austrian fans after Hamilton crashed in qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, something many of the drivers also spoke out against.
So far, the Dutch GP has been a much more enjoyable one for Hamilton, with the Brit seemingly yet to be the victim of abuse this weekend.
The seven-time World Champion has actually sung the praises of the Zandvoort circuit, insisting that more circuits need to be made like it.
“Why don’t they make more circuits like this?” Hamilton enthused.
“Those banked bends, a lot of elevation difference – we should have that in more places.”
It’s been a much better weekend for the Mercedes F1 Team, following their dismal Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
Hamilton qualified fourth for Sunday’s race, but would’ve challenged the front row had he not been forced to abort his final lap due to Sergio Pérez having spun at the final corner.
The Brit is full of energy in the seaside town, one he “always likes” to be in.
“I’ve always liked being here,” the Mercedes driver said.
“I was in Amsterdam on Wednesday evening where you can get such great food and with all those canals I think it’s such a cool city. I could live there!”
Hamilton’s support will obviously be minimal come Sunday, with Verstappen being somewhat of a superstar.
The Mercedes driver “actually really likes” the way the Dutch fans are, something he thinks must make Verstappen feel the way he does during the British GP.
“I actually really like it when fans bring a lot of energy and atmosphere,” said the 37-year-old.
“This is Max’s home race but that doesn’t make it any less cool for me to see all those fans.
“It must feel to him the way I feel at Silverstone and that’s so special.”
Verstappen’s title rival Charles Leclerc was also full of praise for the Dutch fans, who he believes show drivers a “lot of respect”.
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Leclerc qualified second for Sunday’s race, alongside Verstappen once again after the Dutchman clinched pole position.
“Last year we had all this orange everywhere, but I also got a lot of respect from the fans,” said the Ferrari driver.
“They were never rude or anything so it’s nice to feel so much respect and passion.”