Verstappen feels he makes difference despite Red Bull team help
Monday, 5 September 2022
The Dutchman has been the dominant driver this season.
Max Verstappen has paid credit to his Red Bull team while suggesting his victories should also be attributed to him being an "exceptional driver" after Lewis Hamilton's recent comments.
The Red Bull man claimed another home triumph at the Dutch Grand Prix to move closer to a second successive world drivers' championship after last year's victory over the Briton.
The Dutchman has been the dominant driver in F1® this season with a superb car, and Mercedes racer Hamilton previously paid tribute to the technical staff, led by Adrian Newey, at the rival team.
The latter's praise notably omitted credit for Verstappen, who edged him for the title in controversial circumstances last year, and whose partner's father, former driver Nelson Piquet, was involved in a racism storm over the seven-time world champion earlier this year.
Asked on Hamilton's comments after victory at Circuit Zandvoort, Verstappen acknowledged the efforts of his team to aid his quest, but also reinforced that he plays just as much of a crucial part in his own success.
"A lot of that is down to the team, of course, as it's also how Lewis won his championships," he stated. "That's how it goes in Formula 1.
"Your car is super important, but I think when you're an exceptional driver like Lewis is as well, you make a difference over your teammate at the time, in very crucial races as well.
"You end up winning a race like that and that is, at the end of the day, what good drivers do. They do make the difference compared to other fast drivers.
"The car is very dominant in Formula 1 but of course between team-mates, only one can win, and that's where you have to make the difference."
To win my home race again is amazing. The weekend was absolutely great, thank you for the tremendous support Orange Army 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/a08dgfEiwY
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 4, 2022
