Max Verstappen says “the feeling is very different” for him in his 2023 title fight with Lando Norris, compared to his title fight with Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
There’s no doubt that the 2021 title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen was one of the most fierce and close title fights in the history of Formula 1.
Not only was it full of close battles and controversial moments on the track, but the two drivers entered the final race of the season equal on points.
Although in 2023 – with six races to go – Verstappen still has a 52 point lead in the championship over Lando Norris, the dominance of McLaren in the last few races promises a close battle between them until the end of the season.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked how the 2023 title fight feels to him, compared to the one in 2021.
“Right now we still have four teams at the front, while back then you just had the same two people up front,” the Dutch driver said.
“2021 was my first world championship, so that was very different already. I think I’m a bit more relaxed about it now.
“Of course, I want to win and of course, I’m going to do my best to defend that lead.
“But the feeling is very different from 2021,” Verstappen concluded.
