The 2021 season witnessed one of the closest Title fight in Formula 1 history as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton locked horns in almost every race of the calendar. Lewis Hamilton was chasing his 8th World Title – the title that would solidify him as the driver with the most amount of Formula 1 World Championships in history while Max Verstappen was chasing for his first ever Championship victory. The two entered the final race of the 2021 season just a single point adrift of each other.

In contrast to the fervent season, Max Verstappen has had much smoother sailings in 2023. The Red Bull driver has absolutely dominated since the start of the season and has continued his form throughout the calendar year. Verstappen recently claimed his 18th Victory of the season, which now stands as a record for most race wins in a season, out of the 21 Grands Prix. Verstappen wrapped up the Championship with over 5 Grand Prix weekends to go. The stellar driver was recently asked whether he misses the action of the 2021 title fight against Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen, as he so often does, had a smirky reply in store.

Max Verstappen replied pointing out that he does not miss the close racing action and the title fight with the Mercedes driver in particular, the 3 time World Champion singled out Hamilton and said he does not wish to endure the stress of battling it out with him. He said [as reported by De Telegraaf],

No, not specifically with Lewis, not with one person in particular. I don’t have to experience such a stressful year as 2021 again. I like it better the way it goes now, we as a team have performed this season.Max Verstappen said this about competing with Lewis Hamilton, as per De Telegraaf.

This comment is intriguing in terms of how it suggests a possibility of the rivalry still being fresh in the minds of the Max and Lewis.

 Max Verstappen comments on Christian Horner’s remark about Lewis Hamilton wanting to join Red Bull

The intense rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton from the 2021 season, marked by a controversial end, has continued to fuel discussions. Recently, Red Bull’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, surprised many by revealing that Lewis Hamilton’s management had contacted Red Bull before he extended his contract with Mercedes. The revelation stirred conversations, and Verstappen was asked about it by David Croft ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via Planet F1)

In response, Verstappen made a bold remark claiming that Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull are a pair that is never going to happen.

What would it add to know? Because I didn’t know, it’s not happening. You know there’s no point in making up stories if it’s not happening.

The Dutch driver dismissed the idea, emphasizing that there’s no merit in creating stories that aren’t true.

🗣️ | 🇦🇪 Max on not missing the intense title fight with Hamilton in 2021

“No, not specifically with Lewis, not with one person in particular. I don't have to experience such a stressful year as 2021 again.

I like it better the way it goes now, we as a team have performed this… pic.twitter.com/Z7eJO0MV12

— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) November 25, 2023

The prospect of Hamilton joining Verstappen at Red Bull generated excitement, given their fierce on-track rivalry. However, Verstappen’s response indicates that the chances of them actually becoming teammates are highly unlikely. Despite the tantalizing notion of these two great drivers competing in the same machinery, it appears to be a mere speculation, adding drama to the ongoing narrative of their rivalry.