Hamilton is No Longer ‘Hitchhiking’ for You: Ex-F1 Driver has an Advice for Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are involved in a closely fought championship this season. They both have had their chance to lead the championship and have, in fact, also collided with each other. But former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Max has to be smarter to beat the 7-time world champion.

Montoya has stated that the Silverstone crash between the title rivals was more beneficial for the Brit. And Verstappen must avoid such scenarios from now on to defeat Hamilton.

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“I think Max Verstappen has done a very good job so far,”: Montoya

As reported by Motorsport.nl, Montoya has stated that Verstappen can win the championship this season. But he needs to be smarter than Hamilton.

“I think Max Verstappen has done a very good job so far,” said the former F1 driver.

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after the race Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga

“The hardest thing for him this year is that he is in a new situation. He’s always been the hunter, not the one everyone else is hunting. It’s great for him that he’s in this situation right now, but if you’re the one being hunted, you need to start approaching things a little differently. 

For example, drivers who in the past were not so aggressive in a mutual duel, can now suddenly be very aggressive. We have seen that with Hamilton. Hopefully, Max can win the championship this year,” mentioned Montoya.

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Montoya reviews the Max Verstappen- Lewis Hamilton crash at Silverstone

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen came together at the Copse corner at Silverstone on lap 1 of the British Grand Prix. The incident put the Red Bull out of the race whilst Hamilton went to win the race. Montoya revealed that Max could have let Hamilton pass.

Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 18, 2021, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the race REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

“At Silverstone, he had a car that was a lot faster than the Mercedes. He could have let Lewis pass and gotten him back on strategy. But the Max we know does not go off his gas. I would have done the same thing when I was younger. I wouldn’t have gone off my gas either. 

But with the knowledge and experience I have now, I would, when I know I’m in the faster car. However, Max was used to a situation where he was on the attacking side and others hitchhiking for him. But now he has found out the hard way that Lewis is no longer hitchhiking for him.” explained Montoya.

Do you agree with Montoya’s assessment of Max? Let us know.

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