Horner claims Lewis Hamilton has NEVER praised Verstappen… despite seven-time F1 champ calling rival a 'great talent' | The Sun

RED BULL chief Christian Horner claims Sir Lewis Hamilton has never praised Max Verstappen before… despite records showing the opposite.

Hamilton and Verstappen were embroiled in a heated rivalry last season, which ended with the Red Bull star picking up a controversial victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to clinch the Formula One title.

The Brit has been struggling to rediscover his old form this season and that has led the Dutch star fighting it out with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for the top spot.

Horner believes there is a "mutual respect" between his driver and Leclerc because they have known each other since they were kids.

The Red Bull team principal claims he cannot recall Hamilton ever recognising Verstappen's ability.

Horner told Beyond the Grid: "You know, there’s a difference, there’s perhaps a different respect with Charles.

Read More on F1

F1 star Zhou won’t watch horror Silverstone crash as he reveals limb fear

Win a VW Transporter + £2,000 or £40k alternative from just 89p with The Sun

“They raced each other since [being] kids, and there was a mutual respect. I’ve never once ever heard Lewis recognise Max’s ability.

“And so of course, there was just a bit more needle to it and you could feel that, and you could sense that between those two drivers.”

However, the record shows that Mercedes driver Hamilton has indeed praised Verstappen's skills in the past.

In fact, the British superstar went on record in 2020 as he said the 24-year-old is "such a great talent" that is so hard to beat.

Most read in Motorsport

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS

Hamilton previously told Sky Sports: "He's such a great talent, he's so fast and consistent.

"So it's not easy to beat this young up-and-coming champ."

Source: Read Full Article