Hamilton: I will do what I can to stop Verstappen winning

After four weather-affected days in Barcelona, it was clear that Hamilton was in a talkative mood on a variety of subjects including the amazing W09, wasted money on track resurfacing, boasting he can beat anyone and now giving Max a piece of his mind.

After topping the fourth day of F1 testing at Circuit de Catalunya last week, Hamilton was asked if 20-year-old Verstappen will be world champion at some point, to which he replied, "I think it is very difficult to say, he definitely has the potential to be a world champion as we've all seen that and that is why he has such a great following."

"We've seen the way he drives and he has great potential and is in a great team. I think he is in the perfect place to continue growing. He has a long time ahead of him even with a good few seasons under his belt. I still hadn't even had my first season at 21 so he is even further ahead than me and a lot of the drivers."

Verstappen is committed to Red Bull until the end of 2020 and it is clear the energy drinks outfit believe the youngster can lead them to world title glory once again.

But not if 33-year-old Hamilton can help it. "While I'm here I am going to be doing what I can to stop him winning. People won't particularly love that but that is what we are here to do, we are here to battle and I am looking forward to having some really positive battles with him - hopefully this year."