After his maiden win in Monaco, Verstappen ꦏst🏅ated ‘actions speak louder than words’ and that he preferred to do his talking on th🍰e track - a subtle response to Hamilton’s earlier comments during the weekend where he claimed the Dutchman ‘had a lot to prove’ in this year’s title fight.

The Red Bull driver played down any suggestion𝔉s that his relationship with Hamilton is deteriorating, insisting there’s still a high level of respect🤡 between the pair.

“I🍰f they [mind games] come,” Verstappen said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “I mean I can’t be bothered by it, to be honest, mind games. I think Lewis said after the race he doesn’t want to play those things. We just have to focus on what we have to do on the track anyway, which I think we do and that’s also ༒the best.

“Whatever is said in here [press conferences] sometimes… at the end of the day it can be a bit emotional sometimes afte✅r a race or before a race and it also sometimes depends on how you get the question asked. It’s alright. I think Lewis and I, we really respect each other and that’s very important.”

Verstappen’s win﷽ in𝐆 Monte Carlo puts him top of the drivers’ championship for the first time in his career, four points clear of Hamilton.

Mercedes also surrendered its le💯ad in the constructors’ championship for the first time since 2018.

Verstappen is sure Mercedes will bouཧnce back from a disappointing Monaco GP weekend.

“I don’t know, Verstappen replied when asked if he felt Mercedes was agitated by Red Bull’s form. “I haven’tܫ been with them so I don’t know ho🀅w they feel.

“I am pretty sure that they will bounce back very strong so we just have to try and no♍t make mistakes, to try and focus on our job. I think so far we’ve done pretty well but we can do better so that’s what we will try to do this weekend.”