– After the Canadian Grand Prix, Formula 1 fans celebrated Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen online for their carefree and extremely likeable exchange in the cooldown room. Previously, the former rivals had delivered an exciting duel behind race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the final phase. Once again, the multiple world champions shared a podium together. (To the race report)
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But before the duo strolled towards the podium ceremony, TV viewers were treated to a scene that felt like balm for the fan soul. The place of the friendly analysis of their close track duel: the cooldown room. “I just couldn’t shake you off!”, beamed Hamilton, who showed one of his best races for Ferrari, at his old world championship rival.
Verstappen promptly parried and paid respect to the 41-year-old’s performance after a rather surprising 3rd place: “In the middle chicanes, you took three tenths from me every time, but on the straight I just got them back.” Hamilton’s brief but apt reply: “That was totally crazy.” Afterwards, the Red Bull driver praised Hamilton’s perfect line choice through turn 6.
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This relaxed expert chat between the two long-time rivals spread like wildfire online. On Reddit, the praise hymns were overwhelming. “It was brilliant to listen to Max and Lewis. Great to see the two fighting each other again,” rejoiced one observer.
Another fan noticed the still burning fire of the two veterans: “Their eyes really lit up in the interviews when they talked about their duels – amazing!” Some are already winkingly calling for their own format for the superstars given the relaxed atmosphere: “I love their discussions. We need a full-time podcast from the two of them!”
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The admiration for the duo knew no bounds: “I blushed and kicked my legs with joy when I saw them complimenting each other. This rivalry was and is simply in a league of its own.”
From world championship war to collegial respect
Another user summed up the relief of many: “I was just incredibly happy to see the two of them in direct duel for positions again. That kept the race extremely exciting after Russell’s retirement.”
That the two interact so casually with each other is almost a small miracle after the legendary 2021 season. The title fight back then is considered one of the most toxic rivalries of the modern motorsport era, with sparks flying regularly on and off the track. (To the Formula 1 database)
But during the ground-effect era, the waters have calmed. Nowadays, we see Hamilton and Verstappen, who together carry eleven world championship titles on their shoulders, more and more often together in the paddock – whether joking or full of praise for each other.
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