Lewis Hamilton shows true colours as he has been forced to watch on as Max Verstappen has taken control of the 2023 World Championship

Lewis Hamilton praised Max Verstappen ahead of the Dutchman’s Formula One crowning this weekend. Red Bull’s Verstappen is destined to win the World Championship for the third year in a row.

The incumbent champion only needs three more points to win the global championship. Unusually, it may happen in Saturday’s sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix, meaning he could win the Grand Prix on Sunday.

Verstappen and Hamilton have had a difficult friendship since their dramatic duel for the 2021 title. On the final lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi, the Dutchman won the Drivers’ Championship in controversial fashion.

Mercedes and Hamilton have already taken shots at Red Bull, but the Briton has now revealed his true colors by lavishing praise on his former adversary. Verstappen, according to Hamilton, has been ‘faultless’ and ‘phenomenal’ in his quest of success.

“No one can take that away from Max,” Hamilton remarked ahead of the Qatar race. “He has done an amazing job with the package he has.”

“He and the team have been phenomenal,” said the seven-time champion, who has spent a difficult few years watching Verstappen dominate. They’ve elevated the standard.”

Verstappen has won 13 of the 16 Grands Prix this season. In a year dominated by Red Bull, Carlos Sainz is the lone driver to taste victory outside of the organization, winning in Singapore. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, has won thrice.

“We’ve had an incredible year, and we just want to win again this weekend.” And, of course, I know that if I win or whatever on Saturday, I’ll win the title, but we’re just focused on the main job,” Verstappen explained.

“Whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, I don’t think it matters much,” the 26-year-old remarked. It’s always wonderful to win at the first chance you have.

“It’s never easy to win three championships in a row. You need a really nice car, but I always aim to be consistent and make as few mistakes as possible.

“The car is in a really good window, except for Singapore [last month], but it was really nice to drive in all the other races.” But it’s still simple to make mistakes when driving on the limit, which I aim to avoid.”