The two Formula 1 legends Niki Lauda and Lewis Hamilton indeed shared a great bond. The three-time world champion was one of the reasons Hamilton joined Mercedes. Although they have great respect for each other, Lauda once expressed his frustration at the former McLaren man in the commentary box.
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The year was 2011 and Hamilton racing for McLaren had a poor run of form. He collided with two drivers in Monaco and a crash with Mark Webber followed it in Canada. He also had an incident with his teammate Jenson Button in the same race where he ultimately retired.
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Questions were raised on his reckless driving style as he encountered several incidents with the stewards as well. He stated, “I will never stop racing the way I do.” And Niki Lauda, commenting with the German channel RTL, had enough of it and blamed Lewis for his dangerous driving.
He said, “What Hamilton did there goes beyond all boundaries. He is completely mad. If the FIA does not punish him, I do not understand the world anymore. At some point, there has to be an end to all the jokes. You cannot drive like this – as it will result in someone getting killed.”
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The likes of Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard, however, came to Hamilton’s defense. At the same time, the relationship between him and Lauda blossomed after his arrival at Mercedes. The seven-time world champion also considers Lauda as his idol.
Lewis Hamilton comments on Max Verstappen’s driving style in a similar manner
Hamilton has, of course, matured over the years. His driving style symbolizes calmness, and he has seldom had collisions in the recent past. After winning multiple championships unchallenged, Max Verstappen came in his way and pipped his crown last year.
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton crash out of the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Their battle was one for the ages. Both had their fair share of incidents and crashes on the track throughout the season. But things heated during the Saudi Arabian GP, as Verstappen allegedly break-tested his rival, which made him question the Dutchman’s approach to driving.
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He said, “I’ve come across a lot of different characters and there’s a few at the top which are kind of over the limit. The rules kind of don’t apply, they don’t think of the rules.”
“He’s over the limit, for sure. I’ve avoided collision on so many occasions with the guy and I don’t always mind being the one that does that, because you live to fight another day. Which I did.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen: How F1 Drivers train
Well, Lauda had a similar remark to a 26-year-old Hamilton driving. So, the reigning champion could mature over the years like Hamilton. Clearly, experience in Formula 1 is a huge part of a driver’s development and this serves as an example.
