Sochi (Russia) (AFP)
Still as tight and always more tense, the duel for the title in Formula 1 between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen turned to the psychological game before the Grand Prix of Russia from Friday to Sunday.
The Briton started hostilities at a press conference on Thursday, in reference to their clash in the previous round, for which the Dutchman was deemed "mainly responsible" by the race marshals, receiving three penalty places on the starting grid this week-end.
"I know what it's like to fight for your first world title. For me, it's the tenth time (in fifteen seasons, editor's note). I know the pressure and the experiences that go with it, so I can understand ", slipped the seven-time world champion, always very late in the exercise.
And the Mercedes driver continued: "The important thing is to continue to race hard but cleanly. I have no doubt that we will both be professionals and learn from the past".
Verstappen's response came a little later, sarcastically: "I'm terribly nervous, barely sleeping. It's so horrible to fight for the title. I hate it."
Sochi circuit of the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix on September 26, driver and manufacturer rankings Vincent LEFAI AFP
"These comments show that he doesn't know me, which is to be expected, I don't really know him either. The important thing is to focus on myself and have fun at the front lines, which I do. 'hopes to do a long time, "said the Red Bull driver, who has been in F1 for seven years.
- "Not ideal but nothing is lost" -
As the Dutchman enters the 15th of 22 round this season with a five-point lead in the World Championship, he could leave Russia a little behind his British rival.
Indeed, his penalty of three places would be aggravated if he and Red Bull decided to change his engine this weekend, which is still being considered.
"It's not ideal, that's for sure, but nothing is lost, that's how I see it," said Verstappen.
"In the championship there are a lot of races left and the gap is small."
Lewis Hamilton winner of the Russian GP under the tender gaze of President Vladimir Putin at the Sochi Autodrome, October 11, 2015 Andrej ISAKOVIC AFP / Archives
In addition, Mercedes has been unbeaten in Sochi since 2014: Hamilton has won four times, leaving the other three victories to his teammates Nico Rosberg (2016) then Valtteri Bottas (2017 and 2020).
Last year, however, his Dutch rival gave Red Bull their first Russian podium (second place) and this season is "different", admits the Briton.
"Our competitors are much closer, if not in front, and it could rain on certain days", particularly in qualifying on Saturday, which levels out performance and facilitates mistakes.
- Bottas for obstacle?
-
No worries, however, for Hamilton's neck, which was sore after being hit on the top of the helmet by the Verstappen wheel in Italy ten days ago.
Yoga and the care of his physiotherapist Angela Cullen fixed the problem, says the Mercedes driver.
His trip to New York to attend the Metropolitan Museum of Art's prestigious charity gala last week is not cause for concern either.
We know that the 36-year-old driver's infidelities in F1 are an ingredient of his success.
And if the main obstacle on his way was finally his teammate Bottas, in whom Sochi is particularly successful (with a pole position, five podiums including two victories, and an almost success in 2018, before he is ordered to leave his leader s' impose)?
The Red Bull driven by Max Verstappen before its crash with his rival Lewis Hamilton during the Italian GP at Monza, September 12, 2021 MIGUEL MEDINA AFP / Archives
After a convincing GP in Italy (author of pole position but 19th on the grid because of a penalty, he finished third), the Finn will be keen to continue.
And is his dedication to Mercedes still the same knowing he will be leaving the team next season?
"Right now Lewis has a better chance of winning the title," said Bottas, third in the championship more than 80 points behind.
"There may be times when I have to sacrifice myself for the team. Given the current situation, I will, he promises, because we have to make sure we win both titles, not just the constructors 'but also the drivers' titles. . "
© 2021 AFP