Lewis Hamilton's relationship with Max Verstappen has changed after a seven-word message following Hamilton's 106th Grand Prix win in Barcelona. The seven-time world champion is now a title contender again.
Verstappen's Congratulatory Message
In the moments after Hamilton exited his Ferrari following his victory in Barcelona on Sunday, fellow Formula One drivers made a point of congratulating him. Most warmly embraced Hamilton, who is popular among the grid. Max Verstappen offered a handshake, grinned, exchanged pleasantries, and appeared genuine when he later praised Hamilton and Ferrari. "Congrats Lewis Hamilton, first win in red," Verstappen posted on social media.
It is reasonable to suggest that Hamilton's relationship with Verstappen, previously icy, has thawed over recent years.
Recalling 2021
Whenever the pair are seen together, it is hard not to recall 2021, when Verstappen denied Hamilton a record-breaking eighth Drivers' Championship. The Dutchman could not have prevented Hamilton from claiming the title of F1's greatest of all time without the help of race director Michael Masi, who was later sacked. That represented a profound miscarriage of justice. Since then, Hamilton's chances of securing that elusive eighth crown seemed to diminish progressively.
After 2021, Hamilton waited until 2024 for his next Grand Prix victory, and after wins at Silverstone and Spa that season, he endured a drought until Barcelona last weekend. Over four and a half years, he has claimed three wins.
Hamilton's Resurgence
But the manner of his victory in Barcelona, the speed he showed, and his attitude this season have created a real possibility of Hamilton claiming that eighth championship. He sits 41 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who leads after winning five of seven races this year. With 15 races still planned, Hamilton has ample opportunity to catch Antonelli and stay ahead of George Russell.
Ferrari has become a genuine challenger to Mercedes in terms of pace, and Hamilton, happy in his relationship with Kim Kardashian, appears revitalised. After being regularly out-qualified by teammate Charles Leclerc last year, Hamilton now holds the advantage. He has more podiums than Leclerc (4-2) and more speed. His win in Spain followed runner-up finishes in Canada and Monaco, so it was no shock.
With Antonelli failing to finish in Barcelona, doubts are rising about Mercedes' reliability. In a couple of races, the Grand Prix arrives at Silverstone, where Hamilton has won a record nine times.
Title Contention
There is still a long way to go in the championship fight, but having Hamilton in contention is a massive boost for Formula One. He remains one of its greatest stars. He has been written off countless times since Abu Dhabi, and at times he seemed close to writing himself off. Yet Hamilton is back, and his pursuit of that eighth world championship could be the sporting narrative of the year.
