Hamilton: Verstappen has the potential to be champion

Si Lewis Hamilton will have the opportunity this year to equal Juan Manuel Fangio by aiming for a fifth title, he is already watching the next generation take place. At 33, the pilot Mercedes already mentions a possible retirement while he has 62 victories, and 117 podiums after having started 208 Grands Prix.

The Briton observes in particular the progression of Max Verstappen, the rising star of the F1 became the youngest driver in the history of the discipline by becoming a starter at the age of 17 and who already has three victories.

“He clearly has the potential to become world champion. We are all aware of it and that is why it is so followed, commented the four-time world champion. We studied its handling and its potential. He also plays in a superb team. It is in the perfect structure to continue to evolve. He has a lot of time ahead of him even though he only has very few seasons in his career (debut in 2015). »

However, Lewis Hamilton intends to do everything in his power to complicate the task of the Dutchman who remains a serious opponent.

"As long as I'm here, I'm going to do everything I can to keep him from taking over., underlined Lewis Hamilton. People won't really like it, but that's what we're here for. I hope that we will experience exciting fights together, if possible starting this year. »

Max Verstappen had a mixed season last year, notably being the victim of numerous mechanical problems. The Dutchman finished the 2017 season 32 points behind his teammate Daniel Ricciardo.