Hamilton: "So far I've managed to avoid incidents with Verstappen"

During the press conference for the Monaco Grand Prix it was the turn of multiple world champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who sat down together for the first media session. Looking ahead to the race weekend Hamilton expects a tough battle with Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.

In recent races, Mercedes seemed to have an advantage over Red Bull, both in terms of speed and strategy. In Monaco, however, that might just be different, as the power source and downforce play a lesser role there.

Hamilton therefore expects a tough fight with Verstappen. "Red Bull will be hard to beat this weekend, as they have always been strong at this track and this year we are even closer together," quotes Formula 1.com.

He doesn't rule out the possibility of him and Verstappen making contact at some point this season, although he seems to mainly point to the Dutchman as a possible culprit. "So far I've managed to avoid incidents, but there are still 19 races to go. Maybe we will come together, but I hope not. We respect each other, but Max still has a lot to prove. I may have a little less of that."