Hamilton doesn't understand Jos Verstappen's interference
F1 News
Just when the controversy surrounding Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner seemed to be behind us, a new chapter in the saga presented itself. Jos Verstappen made some pithy statements about the team boss, and so the turmoil does not seem to be over yet. As an outsider, Lewis Hamilton does not understand why Max Verstappen's father is interfering at all.
Arriving at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Hamilton is asked if he is surprised by what is currently going on at Red Bull. "I think we are all surprised at what we're seeing. Are you not?," replied the Mercedes driver, who says he regrets that the whole controversy is in the spotlight.
Hamilton doesn't understand Jos Verstappen's interference
Asked about the statements Jos Verstappen made about Horner, Hamilton says he does not understand why it is relevant what Verstappen sr. thinks of the whole affair. "I don't know what his base and foundations are, but at the end of the day, he's not a part of the team. He’s a parent," said the Mercedes driver.
Jos Verstappen has always played a big part in his son's motorsport career, but Hamilton believes the roles of parent and team member should remain separate. "It’s a very thin line to walk. I think it's also depending on your relationship with your parent. I've known some people who have great relationships with their parents
and have been amazing parents. So I don't know about these relationships. You hear things here and there," he continued.
Hamilton: 'Max is mature and can make his own decisions'
One thing is certain as far as the seven-time world champion is concerned: Verstappen is perfectly capable of making his own choices. "Max is a grown adult. He's a champion and he'll make his own decisions," Hamilton stated. "But I think in our world as drivers it's very, very easy to be misled. I'm not saying this is the case but I know in sports other athletes don't have the right guidance around."
The 39-year-old Briton believes such situations could lead to an athlete possibly not making the best choices for himself. "You might make the wrong decisions or not be able to perhaps be the best that you do. But that's not the case there because he’s performing well. But it is very difficult," Hamilton said.