Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have agreed on one point ahead of the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - that the battle between them in 2021 has been "really enjoyable". Red Bull driver Verstappen and Mercedes rival Hamilton have been locked in a close fight all season and enter Sunday's race tied on 369.5 points, with Verstappen only holding an advantage through his victory countback. As they prepare the line up on the front row of the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit on split strategies (Verstappen starting on Soft tyres and Hamilton on Mediums), both drivers took a moment to reflect on the season so far. There have been a number of flashpoints throughout the year, including collisions between the pair at Silverstone, Monza and Jeddah, while Red Bull and Mercedes bosses have also clashed off the track amid various controversies. However, both drivers insist that they have relished the challenge.
"It's been really enjoyable - most of the time!"
Speaking to accredited media, including RacingNews365.com , Verstappen said: "Lewis has won already so many championships, but also, you know, this year, I think we have been pushing each other - certainly in some races - to the limit. "We've been really basically trying to get everything out of our cars and tyres, to the last lap, to the last corner - that's very exciting. "Especially when it's between two teams as well, because when it's teammates, it's always a bit different, but when there are two teams fighting, you have different strategies, you don't know about preparation. "It has been really enjoyable - for most of the time! That's normal in a championship and probably in 10, 20 years' time, people will look back at it, even myself, and will remember this year, for sure."
"I hope we have many more seasons like this"
Hamilton then jumped in with his comments, saying: "I agree fully. It's been an incredible year, an amazing battle. "I'm grateful I've had such a close battle with Max and his team. I think they've done an exceptional job and shown true strength. "It's pushed us to the limit in ways that we needed, and we, I think, have grown stronger as a team in ways we didn't know we could grow. "It's been amazing. I hope that we have many more seasons like this."
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