Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the finest drivers on the grid. Despite his young age, he has established himself as the main competitor to Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Since beginning his driving career, Verstappen has notched 10 race wins and 42 podiums. All of this without having the best car.
However, all of that may have changed. Red Bull was looking rather fast in pre-season testing in Bahrain. Mercedes, meanwhile, struggled on all three days of the event and may have considerable problems with regard to its engine.
It has led many to believe that this could be the year Verstappen finally gets one over Hamilton, or at least pushes the British driver to the extreme.
Former world champion Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen is currently as good as Hamilton.
While Rosberg and Hamilton shared a fierce rivalry during their time at Mercedes, Rosberg usually pays a lot of respect to the Stevenage-born man.
However, he believes that Verstappen is currently as good as Hamilton.
“He’s so strong, he’s at Hamilton’s level now. The two of them are on a different level from the others,” Rosberg said.
Rosberg believes that the upcoming season could be the perfect antidote for a sport that is beginning to lose fans due to Mercedes dominance.
“If Red Bull really starts in front, that would be fantastic,” he said.
“It would be exciting to see how Mercedes reacts, what they invent to go get it.
“Understand what Hamilton will try and will certainly do everything to win eighth title. And with a Vertsappen who can’t wait to win it will all be a lot of fun.”
The upcoming season promises to be rather exciting. Do you believe Verstappen can truly challenge Hamilton this year?
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