Formula 1 | Verstappen criticizes Hamilton’s ‘fake friendships’ in show business

Off the track, Lewis Hamilton has made himself famous, in addition to his commitments to equality and diversity, for his « jet-set » side: the Mercedes driver is not stingy with fashion shows or music concerts , and cultivates some friendships among the great celebrities of this world, cinema, sport or music.

Would this cash-flow lifestyle suit all F1 drivers? For Lewis Hamilton, it works; but Max Verstappen does not find it to his liking.

The Red Bull driver was somewhat critical of Lewis Hamilton’s way of life, even considering that the « friendships » made in show business were not really one …

“I wouldn’t hang out with celebrities just for my social media profile. With some famous people you can make a good connection and build a friendship, but I would only meet those who I think are friends. « 

“I won’t call them ‘buddies’ if they’re not buddies, just famous people. I want to spend time with my family and my real friends. « 

Another difference in lifestyle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton: the relationship to social networks. The Dutchman explains …

“I don’t spend too much time checking my Twitter or Instagram accounts to see how many followers I have – or worrying about how many ‘likes’ my posts are getting. I do not care. If I am in Holland, which is not often, I stay at home most of the time, again with my family and friends. ‘ « 

But although different, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen respect each other even if the collision of Silverstone has been there …

“There is mutual respect. It’s just that we live different lives, which limits the number of encounters we can have outside of the circuit anyway. « 

“I don’t pay attention to mental games. These things don’t bother me. I’m just focusing on the track, in the best possible way. Anything beyond that is irrelevant to me. « 

However, Max Verstappen confides his desire not to cede everything to Lewis Hamilton: good relations yes, but not at any price.

“I’m not the type to be intimidated. « 

“But I don’t want to make any predictions about the season. It’s hard to say. There are so many things that come into play. ”

“You have to believe that you are the best pilot. You must think that all pilots are slower. But never that you’re good enough. «