Zak Brown predicts an imminent clash between Hamilton and Verstappen
McLaren's CEO Zak Brown, thinks that it's only a matter of time before the first clash between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are engaged in a duel for the title at the start of the 2021 season. The gap between the two cars is small, making the battle more intense than in previous years.
For the moment, this rivalry has not left any debris on the track, although there have been several authoritative overtakings, like Max Verstappen at the first corner of the Spanish Grand Prix.
However, Zak Brown spoke during the presentation of the McLaren Gulf livery for the Monaco Grand Prix.
He believes that the tension in the race between the two drivers can create opportunities for his own drivers. According to Zak Brown: “this rivalry is great for the sport. Hopefully at some point during the year, it creates an opportunity for us, because I think it’s only a matter of time before they collide in turn 1.”
« Rivalries are excellent for sports »
This rivalry for the title this year between Hamilton and Verstappen is a blessing for Formula 1.
(e) I think it’s great for F1. Lewis has had a pretty easy journey, apart from his year with Nico [Rosberg]. I think Max is pushing Lewis to move forward. But Lewis is a very smart driver. He’s not too impatient. I think it’s his experience that stands out. » Brown expressed.
« I think Max is pushing Lewis forward »
On his side, Lando Norris is also delighted about this battle at the top.
« Max is going after these opportunities, like Turn 1 [in Spain]. It was quite risky. If Lewis had turned, they would have collided. But these are the opportunities that Max has to seize at this stage because they [Red Bull] are a little slower.
That’s also what makes the race fun, because then Lewis has to come back and try to overtake him, added the driver currently 4th in the drivers’ standings, before the Monaco Grand Prix.
Lando Norris: (e) Like in turn 1 in Spain, these are the opportunities that Max must seize »