Can Verstappen be F1 World Champion for a third time?

The Dutchman has a long career ahead of him, the next chapter begins in Bahrain this March and a third F1 title beckons this season for Max.

Last season was entirely different from his first title win. Where the latter came down to the wire, Verstappen cruised to the title in spectacular fashion in the former. With such a comfortable win, it would be natural to assume he could do it again. However, he'll face multiple challenges along the way, but can he do it?

The new Formula 1 season is almost upon us and with a new season comes the promise of a spectacular year. Verstappen may be the media darling, but when looking at sports betting it backs it up as he is the favourite at 4/5, with Lewis Hamilton closely following behind at 3/1 and Charles Leclerc at 6/1. The odds prove that although Hamilton may be the biggest threat to Verstappen, there is a new wave on the horizon.

Hamilton has dominated for quite some time, and it was always going to take new blood to take him down, which is what Verstappen did. However, along with Verstappen, Leclerc, who finished second last season, and Esteban Ocon have begun to establish themselves as real players in Formula 1.

Although Verstappen may have won the previous two World Drivers' Championships, he cannot become complacent if he wants to stay at the top. These drivers are primed to knock him off, so he must exert his dominance over the pack. The new generation is looking to take over the circuits, and the next few years promise to bring some thrilling races.

Although the younger crop of drivers will prove a challenge to Verstappen's crown, his biggest obstacle will be who many consider the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time. Hamilton is the joint most decorated driver of all time, along with the great Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton will return to his Mercedes team, which he won six of his seven championships with, and will be hoping the improvements that they will make to his car will be enough to bring him back to the forefront. He may have suffered a drop in form last season, where he finished sixth, but the year before, he pushed Verstappen until the final race.

With a new car and the hope to stand alone as the most winningest driver ever, Hamilton will be more determined than ever to win the World Drivers' Championship again.

The great thing about F1 is expecting the unexpected. A simple rule change, car development, or a fantastic season from a driver can tip the balance. That's not to mention the mishaps and accidents that can come to define a season. Verstappen may be in pole position to retain his crown and become only the fifth driver to win three World Driver's Championships in a row, but he will have to deal with many threats.

The F1 season will kick off on 3-5 March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, and fans worldwide will be glued to their screens on Sundays. Verstappen is the hottest driver in the sport right now, but to stay on the path to legendary status, he should win this season's World Drivers' Championship.