The psychological games have long since begun

Before the next showdown in the tough World Cup duel with Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen will be helped by the memories of the first milestone of his career. “I don't get emotional easily, but I was close to tears that day, just like my father,” said the Dutchman about a very special moment in May 2016. Almost exactly five years ago, Verstappen was just 18 years old 228 days in Barcelona to become the youngest Formula 1 Grand Prix winner. At the same place, the now 23-year-old wants to take another step towards his longed-for first title in his Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday (15.00 p.m.).

“I've said it many times, my first victory was a shock because no one expected it and I will never forget that day,” said Verstappen. Because it was his first race for Red Bull, now the 100th race for the former constructors' world champion follows at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Verstappen wanted to compete for the crown from the start, and this year for the first time he seems to be able to compete sustainably with industry leader Mercedes and long-time winner Hamilton. "I enjoy the fights with Max. It's great to see him in this form," said Hamilton. Verstappen said on Thursday: “I’m not concerned with second or third place. I’m looking forward to every single fight now.”

Superstar Max Verstappen wants the title this year. © POOL / MARK SUTTON

Before the fourth round of the season, Hamilton is ahead in the overall standings with 2-1 wins and eight championship points ahead. “Both teams are on equal terms. It’s exactly what we want,” said Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff. However, the Silver Arrows are still superior. Also because Hamilton didn't make any major mistakes, but Verstappen did show nerves with a few small mistakes. “Max Verstappen is starting to understand better and better how good Lewis Hamilton is,” Nico Rosberg told British broadcaster Sky Sports. Taunts etc. But it's not just about performance on the track. “It’s a question of the mind. “I’ve never seen a psychological game start so early,” said Sky expert Ralf Schumacher. Teases from the teams, Hamilton's demonstrations of power - this doesn't leave Verstappen completely unscathed. The challenger has already won eleven races, but he is just gaining experience in a long-term duel with the ambitious for the first time. “It’s a really tough championship,” said Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko: “It’s a very tough duel and psychology is part of it.”

Hamilton could also be helped by the knowledge that he was able to win the last four races in Spain. He only needs one success to catch up with record winner Michael Schumacher in Catalonia. The course is considered a benchmark for Formula 1 cars. Anyone who dominates at the gates of Barcelona can do so almost anywhere. Since 2014, the Silver Arrows have always been ahead with one exception: namely in 2016, when Hamilton and Rosberg both retired after a collision and the young Verstappen cleverly took advantage of this.

Former champion Rosberg currently sees Hamilton as the favorite due to his greater experience. “He just made too many mistakes. You can't afford that if you want to become world champion against Lewis," said the 36-year-old about Verstappen and summed up the duel of generations aptly: "There's so much pressure on it. We’ll have a lot of fun with it.”

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The psychological games have long since begun

Max Verstappen wants to strike back. He has already won once in Barcelona. Long-time winner Lewis Hamilton has even better prospects in the Formula 1 title fight. The psychological games have long since begun.

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