Villeneuve sees Verstappen's achievements gaining Hamilton's respect

Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton now has greater respect for Max Verstappen.

The two drivers battled it out for the 2021 world title, which was eventually won by the Dutchman.

Hamilton and Verstappen were also involved in a hard-fought battle in Mexico City.

eading into the first sequence of corners, the Red Bull driver cut across the grass, while Hamilton went off at Turns 4 and 5. For the latter incident, the seven-time world champion received a 10-second time penalty from the stewards.

On Sky Sports’ The F1 Show podcast, Martin Brundle asked fellow former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve a question about the two champions.

The Briton said: "I don't think he would do it intentionally, because I don't think he's a dirty driver - but do you think Lewis would be that bothered if he hurt Max's championship chances, given 2021?”

Verstappen going wide after his battle with Hamilton in Mexico - Photo: RacePictures

Villeneuve then explained that he believes Verstappen has earned Hamilton's respect.

The Canadian responded: “Personally, probably not. But it looks to me that he's finally respecting Max for what he's achieving and the way he's been winning race weekend after race weekend. So I don't think he's as bothered as he would have been two years ago, let's say."

After finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen moved closer to securing his fifth consecutive world title than he was at the Circuit of the Americas.

With four rounds to go in the current campaign, the Red Bull driver trails Lando Norris by 36 points in the standings.

The season resumes next weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos.

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