Lewis Hamilton snubbed Max Verstappen when asked about his biggest rival across his illustrious F1 career.
The 39-year-old superstar announced this week that he would be parting ways with Mercedes - 11 years after joining.
It has now been revealed that Hamilton will join Ferrari from the 2025 season, after signing a multi-year deal to become Charles Leclerc's teammate in red.
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Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari car, with the Spaniard's next move yet to be determined.
The seven-time world champion will now go in search of his eighth title in the future, after missing out in the last three seasons to Red Bull's Verstappen.
A feat which possibly could have happened already, if Verstappen hadn't passed the British driver on the final lap in Abu Dhabi back in 2021.
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The battle between the two following the safety car and controversial decision to let Verstappen pass lapped cars on fresher tyres has gone down in history as one of the most infamous moments in the sport.
However, speaking in 2022, Hamilton said he did not view Verstappen as his biggest rival across his career.
“I remember the task of being alongside Fernando [Alonso] when I was 22,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “I was so young mentally and of course, OK in terms of skill, but it's a lot of pressure to go against a great like him.
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“So I would say out of pure pace, I always say my toughest opponent is Fernando and his ability. We had some good battles, I wish we could have more and hopefully he's going to continue to race, so hopefully we will have more in the future.”
The 2024 F1 season is set to kickstart on March 3 at the Bahrain International Circuit, as Hamilton embarks on his final campaign in the Mercedes car.
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso
Patrick Rowe