Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence at Ferrari during the 2026 Formula 1 season has reignited one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries: the fierce on-track battles with Max Verstappen. According to Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton, those fights against the Red Bull driver mean considerably more to the seven-time world champion than internal battles against Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
The Canadian Grand Prix offered another reminder of why the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen remains one of the defining storylines of modern Formula 1. The two world champions went wheel-to-wheel once again in Montreal, delivering a spectacular fight for second place that immediately brought back memories of their unforgettable 2021 title battle.
Lewis Hamilton ultimately came out on top after a bold move around the outside of Turn 1 during the closing stages of the race, while Max Verstappen attempted to respond late on but had to settle for third place behind the Ferrari driver.
Beyond the excitement of the duel itself, the race also highlighted an increasingly interesting dynamic inside Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton now leads Charles Leclerc 3-2 in their intra-team qualifying and race battle during the opening phase of the 2026 season, already matching the number of occasions he managed to outperform the Monegasque driver throughout the entire 2025 campaign.
Montreal also represented Lewis Hamilton’s strongest overall result since joining Ferrari, further reinforcing the growing feeling that the British driver is finally becoming fully comfortable with the SF-26 and Ferrari’s operational structure.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen still bring out the best in each other
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Will Buxton suggested that races like the Canadian Grand Prix are precisely the reason both the Briton and Max Verstappen are likely to remain in Formula 1 for many more years.
According to the British presenter, once drivers of that calibre are no longer fighting for championships every season, the real motivation becomes the enjoyment of competing directly against rivals they truly respect.
Will Buxton explained that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen recognise each other as drivers operating at an exceptionally high level, with both understanding exactly what it takes to become Formula 1 world champions.
The Formula 1 presenter argued that victories in those circumstances inevitably feel more rewarding because they come against competitors who have achieved the same elite status in the sport.
Will Buxton also suggested that, from Lewis Hamilton’s perspective, defeating Max Verstappen in a direct battle may actually carry more emotional satisfaction than beating Charles Leclerc or Andrea Kimi Antonelli in similar situations.
His comments were not intended as criticism toward Charles Leclerc or the younger generation of drivers, but rather as recognition of the special dimension that exists when two multiple world champions compete directly against one another.
In Will Buxton’s view, there is simply a different level of intensity, respect and gratification attached to fighting a proven world champion in Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc struggled during difficult Canadian Grand Prix weekend
While Lewis Hamilton enjoyed one of his most competitive weekends of the season, Charles Leclerc endured a much more frustrating event in Montreal.
The Monegasque driver eventually finished fourth and later described the Canadian Grand Prix as one of his worst Formula 1 weekends in recent memory.
Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve even suggested after the race that Lewis Hamilton may now be starting to apply psychological pressure inside Ferrari.
During the Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc reportedly asked his race engineer not to continuously update him regarding the Briton’s pace, a moment that further fueled speculation about the evolving balance inside the Ferrari garage.
At the same time, Lewis Hamilton appeared increasingly confident throughout the weekend, particularly in race conditions where his tyre management and consistency proved highly competitive against both Mercedes and Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton shows renewed respect for Max Verstappen
Despite the intensity of their previous championship battles, the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen appears significantly more mature compared to the explosive atmosphere that defined the 2021 Formula 1 season.
After the Canadian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton openly praised Max Verstappen and reportedly described the Dutch driver as the fastest competitor currently on the Formula 1 grid.
The mutual respect between the two drivers has become increasingly visible over recent seasons, particularly now that both are operating in different stages of their careers compared to the height of their title war.
Their latest battle in Montreal reminded Formula 1 fans exactly why the rivalry remains so compelling. Even without a world championship directly at stake, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen continue pushing each other to extraordinary levels whenever they share the same piece of track.
And if the Canadian Grand Prix was any indication, Formula 1 supporters may still witness many more memorable Hamilton-versus-Verstappen battles throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
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