Verstappen 'not bothered' by mind games with Hamilton during F1 2021

After his maiden win in Monaco, Verstappen stated ‘actions speak louder than words’ and that he preferred to do his talking on the track - a subtle response to Hamilton’s earlier comments during the weekend where he claimed the Dutchman ‘had a lot to prove’ in this year’s title fight.

The Red Bull driver played down any suggestions that his relationship with Hamilton is deteriorating, insisting there’s still a high level of respect between the pair.

“If they [mind games] come,” Verstappen said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “I mean I can’t be bothered by it, to be honest, mind games. I think Lewis said after the race he doesn’t want to play those things. We just have to focus on what we have to do on the track anyway, which I think we do and that’s also the best.

“Whatever is said in here [press conferences] sometimes… at the end of the day it can be a bit emotional sometimes after a race or before a race and it also sometimes depends on how you get the question asked. It’s alright. I think Lewis and I, we really respect each other and that’s very important.”

Verstappen’s win in Monte Carlo puts him top of the drivers’ championship for the first time in his career, four points clear of Hamilton.

Mercedes also surrendered its lead in the constructors’ championship for the first time since 2018.

Verstappen is sure Mercedes will bounce back from a disappointing Monaco GP weekend.

“I don’t know, Verstappen replied when asked if he felt Mercedes was agitated by Red Bull’s form. “I haven’t been with them so I don’t know how they feel.

“I am pretty sure that they will bounce back very strong so we just have to try and not make mistakes, to try and focus on our job. I think so far we’ve done pretty well but we can do better so that’s what we will try to do this weekend.”