Motor racing-Hamilton says he learned a lot about Verstappen in Spain

Formula One F1 - Spanish Grand Prix - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain - May 9, 2021 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with the trophy after winning the race alongside Red Bull's Max Verstappen who finished in second place REUTERS/Albert Gea

(Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton may have opened up a new front in his battle with Max Verstappen after saying he learned more about his Formula One title rival, and the Dutchman's car, in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix than in all the other races put together.

Mercedes' seven times world champion spent most of the afternoon behind Red Bull's Verstappen but hunted him down at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya to win and go 14 points clear after four races.