Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen mirrored on their thrilling closing battle on the Canadian Grand Prix within the F1 cool-down room after the race.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton overtook Verstappen within the closing phases and completed second, one of the best outcome for a Ferrari driver and his second podium of the much-improved 2026 season.
Hamilton misplaced out to F1’s nice rival within the early phases of the race, however fought again with a ferocious closing stint, passing the Crimson Bull driver with an ideal overtake close to the skin of Flip 1.
Hamilton beats Verstappen after shut battle to maneuver into second place
The 41-year-old Briton was unable to shake off Verstappen, who ran nose-to-tail within the closing few laps, however Hamilton in the end obtained the higher of his former title rival.
“To start with, I’ve to say an enormous thanks to the workforce right here,” Hamilton mentioned in a post-race interview with former McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen.
“They welcomed me with open arms. It has been fairly powerful the final yr or so, so it feels nice to lastly discover our candy spot and have a superb weekend and be again right here.”
“It was nice to really race with Max, particularly as a result of they (Mercedes) have been so quick.”
Verstappen additionally loved the battle with Hamilton, saying, “I am happy. It was a cool battle with Lewis (Hamilton) on the finish.”
“It’s extremely optimistic to be on the rostrum on a weekend the place it is not really easy to get issues going.
“We have to hold bettering than our opponents. That is our purpose. We’ll see what we will do within the upcoming races.”
Hamilton celebrates finest outcome as Ferrari driver
The 2 continued their dialog within the post-race cool-down room as follows.
left: “I couldn’t shake you!”
MV: “Within the center chicane I’d subtract three-tenths each time, however after that I used to be capable of get it again within the straight.”
left: “It was loopy.”
MV: “Site visitors situations have been unhealthy.”
left: “Lastly, I do not know if it was Bortleto or not. Oh my god!”
left: “I don’t know if our automobile has further drag or if it simply has extra energy.”
MV: “I used to be excellent in Flip 6.”
It was Verstappen’s first podium of the season and Hamilton’s 204th profession podium look.
