"So much work done in the background" - F1 championship rivals arrive at Mexico City Grand Prix
Formula One rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have both stressed the work done out of the limelight as they arrived at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have both stressed the work done out of the spotlight in preparation for the Mexico City Grand Prix. (Getty Images/LAT Images)
Verstappen held off Hamilton last time out at the United States Grand Prix, but was quick to downplay any advantage that gave him in the 2021 championship fight.
"It's been a bit up and down in terms of momentum so I don’t really believe in these kind of things," said the Dutch driver.
"It's all about just trying to optimise every single weekend and trying to nail the details."
"What is momentum if you are lazy and you don’t prepare well? Then your momentum is gone."
Hamilton also approaches every race with a fresh mind.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind," said the Mercedes driver on Thursday.
"I don't really remember everything."
Hamilton was awarded off-track during the week, winning the inaugural Sports Innovator Award by the Wall Street Journal at a gala in New York.
The honour recognised his philanthropic work towards increasing diversity in Formula One and engineering fields.
Lewis Hamilton on the podium at the United States Grand Prix. (Steve Etherington)
"It's been really positive, some really amazing things that have happened," he said.
"Particularly like New York, to be seen to be doing something positive and to be doing something like that, its really awesome."
Both drivers emphasised the constant work done by their teams behind the scenes.
"Theres been so much work that’s been done in the background in between all these races that’s not really been seen" said Hamilton.
Max Verstappen arrives at the Mexico City Grand Prix. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Verstappen said maintaining a constant focus was the only way forward, with a lead of just twelve points over his rival.
"We'll need to be very focused and make sure that we put the car on the track in the best possible way, together with of course the engine package, and then I'm confident that we can do a good job."
