Ricciardo and Alonso highlight Hamilton’s talent

After the first four Grand Prix races of the season, a showdown is shaping up between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. Each weekend is marked by a fierce battle for victory between these two drivers. For now, the advantage lies with the Mercedes driver, who has emerged victorious in three of the four races, closely followed by the young Dutchman.

Lewis Hamilton dominates the drivers’ standings with 94 points, compared to 80 for Max Verstappen. The British driver’s hard-fought victories at the beginning of the season contribute to highlighting his talent in the face of adversity. This is notably highlighted by Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo during the presentation of McLaren’s Gulf livery for the Monaco Grand Prix taking place this weekend, specifying that this works in his favour against skeptics who believe that the British driver’s successes come solely from his car’s abilities.

Many people tip their hats to Lewis [editor’s note: Hamilton]. He has faced a lot of criticism but he has always stood his ground. And I think he is showing those who may have doubted him why he is so good at what he does.

The double Spanish world champion, Fernando Alonso, also spoke to the Spanish newspaper Marca about Lewis Hamilton and his ability to remain at the top level. Indeed, the Mercedes is undoubtedly the best car on the grid but that does not guarantee victory for Alonso.

« Even with the best car, you have to perform every weekend. In the rain or on dry track, the weekends where Red Bull is close to your performance and even if they are less close. This consistency can only be maintained if you are at the highest level, and I don’t know if everything he does is sufficiently considered, declares the Spanish driver.

« I don’t know if everything he does is sufficiently appreciated »

« I know he’s appreciated, but I give a lot of credit to Lewis at the moment because Mercedes no longer has the domination it had three or four years ago, when he was winning quite easily. Now, they are sometimes very close and he doesn’t let that influence him. »

After the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton commented on Vestappen’s performances, especially on what he could learn from the Red Bull driver while following him. For Ricciardo, this type of post-race comment is part of a game, a kind of psychological warfare that Hamilton engages against his rivals.

« Maybe it’s kind of a way to get into a game [editor’s note: psychological warfare in a way]. But it’s true that you can learn a bit about the driver you’re following. You can tell if, and I’m not saying that it was the case, but particularly in the categories below Formula 1, when you follow someone, you can see when they start to slide the car, lock a brake, or lose grip on a tire. »

« Maybe it’s a way to engage in a psychological war. »

We obviously can’t see them, but if you imagine them without helmets, then their expressions would be tense. Maybe he’s referring to that. And maybe Max [editor’s note: Verstappen] was erratic. I don’t know, but maybe it’s nothing.

The duel will resume this weekend, for the legendary Monaco Grand Prix starting on Thursday for the first free practice session.