The two protagonists of the fight for the 2021 title faced each other on the track on several occasions throughout the course of the entire season, with penalties for causing collisions in both directions throughout the course.
Throughout the campaign, Lewis Hamilton was accusing Max Verstappen of aggressive driving, while he claimed to keep a more peaceful and respectful line whenever they were on the track.
However, it appears that something has changed in the British Mercedes driver’s mindset ahead of the new Formula 1 season in 2022, acknowledging a shift in focus.
Asked by Motorsport.com if he had considered Verstappen’s attitude on the track in 2021 to be too aggressive and if he had reflected on it, Hamilton replied: “I will be a more aggressive driver this year, you will see.”
Continuing with the press conference prior to the first free practice of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked the same question and was told that Hamilton had admitted that he was going to change his driving style after what happened. in 2021.
The Dutchman replied: “I don’t know. I mean, I think you shouldn’t ask me that question.”
On the other hand, Hamilton said that the desire to avenge the 2021 loss is “not on my mind”.
Adding the following: “It’s not with that focus that I’m approaching this season. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself that I can be.”
“I want to see if there is a way I can improve, I want to drive at least like I was at the end of last season.
“I want to work together with the team, I know there will be a lot of bumps in the road. But I love that. I don’t have that point of view [of revenge].”
“I think I will try to be the best driver I can be this year. I think I can still do more, both inside and outside the car.”
“We still have a lot of work to do on the issue of diversity in Formula 1, so I will continue to fight for that too,” concluded the Briton.
