IT is the most thrilling F1 championship in years.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are vying for the title – with just two races left.
Next up, they’ll face off against one another at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prx.
But it’s been a turbulent season between the pair, with a fiery rivalry threatening to get nasty after a collision in Monza saw Verstappen’s car land on top of Hamilton’s.
However, despite their differences on the race track they share similar interests off it.
Both boast luxury properties, they have amazing car collections, and a mutual love of animals.
THE HOMES
For much of the year, Verstappen, who has a £40m fortune at the age of just 24, lives in a £13million penthouse in Monte Carlo, which he is said to rent.
The Dutch driver’s home is in the same apartment block as Felipe Massa and Daniel Ricciardo.
Not much is known about its size, but Verstappen regularly shares his workouts on the vast balcony that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
Hamilton, believed to have around £280million in the bank, also has a Monaco pad in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
But he is planning to move back to London permanently when work is completed on his stunning £18million six bedroom villa.
Back in 2019, Hamilton splashed £32million on a New York apartment in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
The 6,547 square-foot penthouse includes a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
And there’s also his Colorado mansion, which 36-year-old Lewis calls his favourite home and where he likes to spend the winter months on a snow mobile riding around the mountains.
CARS
With their mega pay packets and love of cars, it’s no surprise that Hamilton and Verstappen have an impressive fleet of motors.
Today, Lewis is more eco-friendly and has moved to driving electric vehicles, including a recent £80,000 Mercedes EQS.
But in the past, he has been seen behind the wheels of a Pagani Zonda worth £1.5m, cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in a £4million 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, and parked outside a restaurant in a £2million LaFerrari.
He’s also got a Mercedes AMG Project One on order, that’ll cost north of £2.5million.
Verstappen has a love of British motors, prominently Aston Martin.
He has their concept super car, the £2million Valkyrie on order and due to be received next year.
In the past, he’s been spotted driving a DB11 (£150,000) and DBS Superleggera (£225,000).
But when he feels the need for speed, he has a £1.5million Ferrari Monza to drive, as well as a Renault R.S. 01 worth around £300,000 that can hit 186 mph.
Both, of course, have access to private jets.
GIRLFRIENDS
Rich, successful, and living life in the fast lane, Hamilton and Verstappen will always be an attractive proposition.
Lewis’s lovelife has been played out in front of the media since he exploded on to the scene.
His most famous relationship was with Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger, who he dated on/off until 2015.
In recent years, he’s been linked with Barbara Palvin, Winnie Harlow, Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Rita Ora.
Verstappen, on the other hand, dates 32-year-old Brazilian model Kelly Piquet.
She used to see Russian racing driver Daniil Kvyat’s girlfriend, and they welcomed a daughter in 2019.
PETS
When it comes to animals, Verstappen and Hamilton have a common ground.
Lewis has a pampered pooch, English bulldog Roscoe who rides on private jets with him and is often seen at various Grand Prixs.
Sadly, he lost his other bulldog Coco last year, who suffered a heart attack and passed away in his arms.
Verstappen too suffered heartbreak when his dog Spyke died aged 11, sharing a snap on Instagram of his beloved pet.
Animal lover Max also has adopted some cats, which sometimes travel with him.
On top of that, he grew up with a cockatoo.
THRILL-SEEKING
When you drive a racing car for a job, that exhilaration needs to be found elsewhere.
Hamilton and Verstappen are thrill-seekers, taking on hobbies to fuel their need for an adrenaline rush.
Over the last couple of years, the seven-time world champion, who has a penchant for firing rifles at a gun range, has been learning how to sky dive.
He even shared his exploits on Instagram, hurtling through the sky from a small plane.
Verstappen wasn’t amused, though, declaring he wouldn’t be doing the same when asked in a press conference his thoughts on Lewis’s new talent.
However, on sea he is game to zoom around on a jet-ski.
Perhaps, when he can boast multiple F1 championship wins, he’ll be more daring.
