Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard doesn’t believe Max Verstappen is able to get inside Lewis Hamilton’s head amid their title fight this year.
The duo are sparsely separated in the Drivers’ standings, with Hamilton leading Verstappen by two points.
Both have had a number of on-track incidents this year, most recently at the Italian Grand Prix, which saw both retire from the race.
In the psychological battle, Coulthard doesn’t think Verstappen, who is enduring his first title fight in F1, can mentally impact Hamilton.
“You don’t have to be surprised that these two drivers, of all people, are fighting for the title,” Coulthard told Speedweek.
“And I’m firmly convinced – that will continue until the end of the season in Abu Dhabi. I don’t think Verstappen can get into Lewis’ head.
“They both have such strong teams behind them, they know they can win races at any time. That creates an incredible amount of confidence.
“The two boys live their lives completely differently. Lewis flew straight from Monza to New York and spent time at the Met Gala doing fashion.
“Max has spent his time privately in Monaco with the family. They are so different. Max likes to keep to himself, Lewis is more extroverted. But when they’re on track, it’s all about winning.”
Coulthard commended both Hamilton and Verstappen for how they have dealt with the pressure of the title battle so far this year.
“I felt a lot of pressure then, but these guys don’t,” Coulthard said. “They’re racing against the very best, but they just make fewer mistakes than we did back then.
